A Tribute to Tom Bower: A Remarkable Career and Legacy
It’s a somber day in Hollywood as we say goodbye to one of its most cherished character actors, Tom Bower. On Thursday, June 6, his representative confirmed the news to Closer. Marsha McManus of Principal Entertainment L.A. shared a heartfelt statement, saying, “Tom was an insanely great actor and human being. What a loss.” Tom, who was 86, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Los Angeles home on May 30, as revealed by his sister-in-law, Mary Miller, to The Hollywood Reporter.
Tom’s career spanned decades, and his work touched countless lives. Whether it was bringing Dr. Curtis Willard to life on The Waltons or helping Bruce Willis's John McClane take down airport terrorists in Die Hard 2 as the janitor Marvin, Tom was a master of his craft. Even in his later years, he continued to shine, most recently in Bob Odenkirk’s AMC series Lucky Hank, where he played Henry Devereaux Sr., Bob’s character's father, in three episodes in 2023.
From Baseball Dreams to Acting Stardom
Tom Bower’s journey to becoming a Hollywood icon began in Denver, Colorado, where he was born and raised. As a young man, he dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player, but fate had other plans. It was in high school that Tom discovered his passion for acting, and the rest, as they say, is history. He set his sights on New York City and enrolled at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1956, where he honed his craft and laid the foundation for his future success.
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His education didn’t stop there. Tom continued his studies at the John Cassavetes Shadows Workshop, where he landed a role in the legendary director’s debut film, Shadows, in 1957. This marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career that would see him become a familiar face on both the big and small screens.
A Decade of Perseverance and Private Investigation
But life wasn’t always easy for Tom. For more than a decade, he struggled to make a living as an actor. During this time, he moved to Boston and took on a completely different role—that of a private investigator. Despite the challenges, Tom’s love for acting never wavered. In fact, he became a founding member of the Boston Repertory Theater, where he gave acting lessons to a young Al Pacino. The two would later star together in David Rabe’s play The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel in 1972, cementing their bond and shared passion for the arts.
A Familiar Face on Television and Film
As a character actor, Tom Bower was a staple of classic 1970s TV shows. Fans of The Bionic Woman, Kojak, Baretta, The Rockford Files, Barnaby Jones, and Lou Grant all know his face. However, it was his role as Dr. Curtis Willard on The Waltons that truly made him a household name. From 1975 to 1978, Tom played the doctor who hired Mary Ellen Walton, portrayed by Judy Norton, as his nurse. The two fell in love, married, and even had a son. But life on Walton’s Mountain wasn’t without its challenges. Tom’s character was tragically written off as a casualty of the attack on Pearl Harbor, though he made a surprising return in a 1981 episode set in Florida, albeit with a different actor filling his shoes.
In a candid 2022 interview, Tom joked about the circumstances surrounding his departure from the show. “I asked for a very small raise, so they sent me to Pearl Harbor,” he quipped. When the producers decided to bring the character back, he once again requested the same modest raise. Unfortunately, the producers opted to cast a different actor instead.
Tom’s Enduring Legacy in Film
Tom’s talents weren’t confined to television. He graced the silver screen in numerous films, including Two-Minute Warning, River’s Edge, Beverly Hills Cop II, True Believer, Raising Cain, Clear and Present Danger, North Country, and The Hills Have Eyes. His role in Die Hard 2 as the janitor Marvin was particularly memorable, showcasing his ability to bring depth and authenticity to even the smallest roles.
Tom Bower’s passing leaves a void in the world of entertainment, but his legacy lives on through the countless characters he brought to life. He was not just an actor but a mentor, a teacher, and a friend to many. His work will continue to inspire future generations of actors and fans alike.
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