For millions, De’Voreaux White is eternally Argyle, the smooth-talking chauffeur who provided crucial comic relief and an even more crucial getaway car. Yet, his career began long before Nakatomi Plaza and has continued to evolve in surprising ways, revealing a versatile performer with a story of resilience and purpose that extends far beyond Hollywood.
From Child Actor to a Defining Role
Born Devorea W. Sefas in Los Angeles County, California, White’s journey into acting began at the tender age of ten. Following the personal tragedy of his mother’s passing, his grandparents encouraged him to enter show business, honoring her wishes. This path quickly led to roles in iconic 1970s and ’80s television shows like The Jeffersons and Little House on the Prairie. (Noblemania Interview). His film career also started early, with a memorable part as a would-be guitar thief opposite Ray Charles in The Blues Brothers (1980).
However, it was his poignant performance as Wylie, a young man unjustly lynched, in the Academy Award-winning film Places in the Heart (1984) that showcased his dramatic range. This role proved pivotal, catching the attention of producer Joel Silver and leading to the audition that would change his life: a meeting with Bruce Willis for a new action film called Die Hard.
The Man in the Limo: Creating Argyle
As Argyle, White was more than just McClane’s driver; he was the audience’s anchor to the world outside the besieged tower. Stuck in the garage with his teddy bear and a Run-DMC cassette, Argyle’s commentary and eventual heroics—crashing his limo into the thieves’ ambulance—provided a perfect bookend to the chaos. Much of the character’s charm came from the on-set chemistry between White and Willis. Director John McTiernan encouraged them to improvise, allowing their dialogue to feel natural and spontaneous (Noblemania Interview). The role instantly made White a fan favorite and cemented Argyle as an essential piece of the Die Hard puzzle.
A Visual Timeline of a Dynamic Career
While Die Hard remains his most recognized work, De’Voreaux White’s career is marked by several key moments, both before and after his iconic role. From his early start to his recent resurgence, his journey reflects a consistent presence in the industry. The following timeline highlights some of his most significant projects.
Life After Nakatomi and a Welcome Return
Following the massive success of Die Hard, White continued to work steadily. He had a recurring role as Aristotle McKenzie in the popular sitcom Head of the Class from 1989 to 1991 and co-starred with Ice-T and Bill Paxton in the gritty thriller Trespass (1992). He made appearances in various projects through the years, never straying too far from the screen.
Decades later, the affection for Argyle remains strong. In 2020, fans were delighted when White reprised his role alongside Bruce Willis for an Advance Auto Parts commercial promoting their “DieHard” battery brand. The ad was a nostalgic and action-packed tribute that celebrated the film’s enduring legacy. More recently, he appeared in the 2023 Netflix action-comedy series Obliterated, playing a limo driver named Delray—a clear and welcome nod to the role that made him famous (Netflix Tudum).
Beyond the Screen: A Life of Purpose
White’s life story is also one of personal identity and giving back. His birth name, Sefas, is Ethiopian; he was adopted by his maternal grandparents, the Whites, after his mother’s death. Today, he embraces his full heritage. Beyond acting, White has found a profound calling. He works in substance-abuse rehabilitation, running his own company and serving on the clinical staff of a recovery facility where he facilitates groups on self-esteem. This work represents a commitment to helping others find a path to recovery, a mission far removed from the glitz of Hollywood but equally impactful.
De’Voreaux White’s legacy is twofold. On-screen, he is the unforgettable Argyle, a character who brought heart and humor to one of cinema’s greatest action films. Off-screen, he is a man who has channeled his life experiences into a mission of service. From a gifted child actor to a pop culture icon and a dedicated advocate for recovery, his journey is a powerful reminder that the most compelling roles we play are often our own.
