Marvel and Star Wars actor Ray Stevenson tragically passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023.
Variety has officially confirmed the untimely passing of Irish actor Stevenson at the age of 58, although no specific cause of death has been disclosed. Reports initially emerged from Italian website Spettacoli, which stated that Stevenson had been hospitalized on the island of Ischia while working on his upcoming film Cassino on Ischia.
Stevenson gained recognition and a devoted following among comic book enthusiasts for his notable contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He portrayed the character Volstagg in all three films of the Thor trilogy and took on the titular role of the Punisher in the 2008 film Punisher: War Zone. Furthermore, Stevenson was set to portray the villainous character Baylan Skoll in the highly anticipated Star Wars series, Ahsoka. Prior to this, he lent his voice to the characters Gar Saxon in Star Wars Rebels and Star Wars: The Clone Wars, showcasing his talent in the Star Wars universe.
Beyond his presence in iconic sci-fi and comic book franchises such as Marvel and Star Wars, Stevenson forged an impressive career spanning three decades, leaving a lasting impact in the entertainment industry.
He played key roles in other action stories like the Divergent movies and G.I. Joe while also becoming well-known for his roles in major TV shows such as Dexter and Vikings.
The Scottish star even had a place in the hit 2022 Indian movie RRR, which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Stevenson, who was born on May 25, 1964, in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, made his mark on the acting scene in the 1990s. He initially appeared in various television series before sharing the screen with Helena Bonham Carter and Kenneth Branagh in Paul Greengrass's The Theory of Flight. Throughout his prolific career, Stevenson seamlessly transitioned between film and television projects, showcasing his versatility. Notably, he portrayed the character of Titus Pullo in the acclaimed HBO drama Rome.
At the time of his passing, Stevenson was involved in the early stages of filming his latest project, Cassino on Ischia. In this film, he portrayed an aging action movie star determined to revive his career by embarking on a gritty comeback film set in Italy. While navigating this endeavor, his character confronts personal family struggles that must be reconciled for his career to regain its former glory.
We here at D.A.O.S. are saddened by the news of Stevensonâs passing. We wish his family, friends, and fans the best as they navigate this terrible loss. Safe journey, Mr. Stevenson. Rest well.