Argyle
The only man who drives through a parking garage to save Christmas.
Argyle is the eccentric and loyal limousine driver who transports New York City police detective John McClane to Nakatomi Plaza on Christmas Eve. While waiting in the garage, he remains oblivious to the terrorist takeover orchestrated by Hans Gruber until McClane contacts him via radio. De'voreaux White portrays Argyle as a cheerful, unflappable figure who transforms from a passive observer into an active participant when he finally intervenes in the siege.
- Character Name
- Argyle
- Role
- Limousine Driver / Ally
- Affiliation
- John McClane (Personal Driver)
- First Appearance
- Die Hard (1988)
- Status
- Alive
Lore & Background
Argyle's story begins with his role as the driver for McClane's estranged wife, Holly Gennaro-McClane, at the Nakatomi Corporation party. He offers to wait in the garage for McClane, a decision that inadvertently saves him from being taken hostage by Gruber's team along with everyone else in the tower. Throughout the film, Argyle follows events on the limousine's CB radio, listening intently as McClane battles terrorists floor by floor. His knowledge of the building and his vehicle become critical assets when Theo retrieves an escape vehicle from the garage only to be knocked unconscious by Argyle, who has been tracking the situation via broadcast.
In Their Own Story
The climax of Argyle's involvement occurs in the parking garage after McClane defeats Gruber and Karl. While the FBI helicopters are destroyed on the roof and the hostages are secured, Argyle realizes his passengers need an exit. He drives the limousine through the parking garage door to rescue McClane and Holly. This moment marks his transition from a silent observer to a hero who directly enables the protagonists' escape. His actions are driven by loyalty rather than combat skill, highlighting the film's theme of ordinary citizens rising to extraordinary challenges.
Reader's Guide
Argyle appears exclusively in Die Hard (1988), played by actor De'voreaux White. He is hired by Harry Ellis to drive John McClane to Nakatomi Plaza. His key actions include waiting in the garage during the hostage situation, monitoring events on the CB radio, knocking out Theo to prevent an escape, and driving through a closed garage door to rescue McClane and Holly at the film's conclusion.
Did You Know?
- Argyle remains the only character in Nakatomi Plaza besides John McClane who is not taken hostage by Hans Gruber's team.
- The actor De'voreaux White played Argyle, a role that required him to follow events on the limousine's CB radio throughout the film.
- Argyle knocks out Theo, the terrorists' tech specialist, in the parking garage before rescuing McClane and Holly.
- He drives his limousine through a closed parking garage door to facilitate the escape of the main characters at the end of the movie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Argyle in Die Hard?
Argyle serves as the personal chauffeur for New York City detective John McClane during the events of the original 1988 film. He is a cheerful character who remains in his vehicle in the parking garage throughout most of the terrorist siege at Nakatomi Plaza.
What role does Argyle play during the siege?
Initially acting as a passive observer while waiting for his passenger, he eventually becomes an active ally after McClane contacts him via two-way radio. His primary contribution involves delivering ammunition to the hero and driving through the garage to eliminate several of Hans Gruber’s men.
Does Argyle survive the movie?
Unlike many supporting characters in action films, Argyle survives the night without sustaining any fatal injuries. He is last seen celebrating with McClane after the villains have been defeated and the building has been secured.
Which actor portrays Argyle?
The role of the unflappable driver is portrayed by actor De'voreaux White in the 1988 classic. His performance adds a comedic and grounded element to the high-stakes tension surrounding the main protagonist.
Why is Argyle considered important to the plot?
Argyle provides crucial logistical support and moral encouragement when McClane feels isolated during the crisis. His intervention in the final act turns the tide by allowing the detective to continue fighting against overwhelming odds.
More in Characters & Cast
Related in Die Hard
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Elsewhere in the Die Hard universe
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