Al Powell

The character of Powell in Die Hard was the breakout performance for actor Reginald VelJohnson, who had previously only had small roles in films such as Ghostbusters and Crocodile Dundee. The role helped VelJohnson to gain the role of Carl Winslow on the television sitcom Family Matters, where he would again portray a police officer.[3][4] Despite only appearing in two scenes during Die Hard 2, VelJohnson still received fourth billing, behind other returning actors Bonnie Bedelia and William Atherton from the first film. Before VelJohnson was cast, actor Wesley Snipes had auditioned for the part. Gene Hackman had also been considered for the part according to VelJohnson, but was unable to take the role.[5][6][7][8]

VelJohnson's portrayal of Powell in the first Die Hard was met with acclaim from fans. Powell has gone on to become one of the most recognisable characters from the franchise, along with John McClane and Hans Gruber. The dynamic between VelJohnson and Bruce Willis in the film was another source for critical acclaim, with many critics citing Powell as the moral center of the film, and with many considering him to be something of McClane's sidekick. Powell's character arc and development throughout the first film was also seen by many as a highlight of the film, signifying living with a mistake and dealing with grief. Powell eventually overcoming his guilt to save McClane and Holly at the end of the film was seen as a perfect ending to the character's arc.[12][13]

Due to the popularity of his role in Die Hard, VelJohnson was cast as Carl Winslow on the television sitcom Family Matters. VelJohnson would also appear in television show Chuck reprising his role as Powell in the episode Chuck Versus Santa Claus.[14] VelJohnson would also appear as himself in the television show Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which often references and pays tribute to Die Hard, as it is main character Jake Peralta's favourite film. VelJohnson appears in the episode "Bachelor/ette Party" in the show's fifth season during Peralta's bachelor party. VelJohnson is intended to be a part of a scavenger hunt set up by Peralta's best friend, Charles Boyle. However, Peralta and the other attendees, Terry Jeffords and Captain Raymond Holt, ditch the scavenger hunt. Eventually Boyle finds out about the deception and leaves upset. This leads the group to VelJohnson's apartment, where Peralta attempts to apologise to him, where VelJohnson retorts at Peralta and states that he has made an enemy for life, and intends to tell Peralta's idol and VelJohnson's Die Hard co-star Bruce Willis that he sucks.[15] Powell remains one of VelJohnson's favorite and most iconic roles, alongside Carl Winslow from Family Matters.[16] VelJohnson has commented that many fans give him Twinkies when they meet him.[17][18] The character's lack of involvement in the main plot of Die Hard 2 disappointed fans of the character, who had wished to have seen the character in more than two scenes. The character's absence from the franchise's later instalments has garnered a degree of backlash from fans, who have wished to see the character return in some capacity. Movie critic Chris Stuckmann stated in his review of the film, "I wish there was more Powell in it too, I want more Reginald VelJohnson. I understand that [McClane] is at an airport in a different place."[19][20][21]