Ray Stevenson, a 58-year-old actor known for his appearances in popular television shows such as Rome, Vikings, and Dexter, has passed away.
Ray Stevenson, a 58-year-old actor known for his appearances in popular television shows such as Rome, Vikings, and Dexter, has passed away. He also had notable roles in blockbuster action films like King Arthur and the Thor trilogy, and he had a part in an upcoming Star Wars series on Disney+. His death was confirmed by his US-based publicist firm, but no additional information about the cause of death was provided. Reports suggest that he was hospitalized while filming on the Italian island of Ischia. At the time of his passing, he was involved in the production of an action movie called Cassino in Ischia. The news of his death was announced just four days prior to his 59th birthday.
Stevenson was originally from Northern Ireland but shifted to England at the age of eight. He was born in 1964 while his father was serving with the Royal Air Force (RAF) near Lisburn, County Antrim. Afterwards, his family moved to Newcastle upon Tyne, and he spent a significant part of his early years in England.
Ray Stevenson’s career
Stevenson’s desire to pursue acting was ignited when he witnessed John Malkovich’s performance in a play at a theatre in London’s West End. He honed his acting skills at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and one of his initial television appearances was in the Catherine Cookson drama titled The Dwelling Place. Subsequently, he was featured in various British TV programs such as Waking the Dead, Dalziel and Pascoe, and At Home with the Braithwaites.
In 2004, he portrayed a knight in the high-budget Hollywood movie King Arthur, which starred Keira Knightley. More recently, Stevenson has attained roles in successful American-produced TV series and films, notably playing Volstagg in the Thor trilogy and Titus Pullo in HBO’s historical drama series Rome.
He is set to take on the role of Baylan Skoll in the upcoming Disney+ series Star Wars: Ashoka.
Larger than life
Stevenson’s co-stars have been paying tribute to the late actor on social media.
James Purefoy, the English actor who worked with Stevenson on the television series Rome, expressed his admiration for the late actor on social media, offering heartfelt words to commemorate him, stating that “brilliant, gutsy, larger-than-life actor who filled every part he played right up to the brim”.
Ray Stevenson, renowned in India for his portrayal of British Governor Scott Buxton in SS Rajamouli’s film RRR, has been confirmed to have passed away. The official social media accounts of RRR announced this news, and SS Rajamouli himself expressed sorrow in a heartfelt message. A photograph of Ray Stevenson from RRR was posted on Monday night along with a caption, “What shocking news for all of us on the team! Rest in peace, #RayStevenson. You will stay in our hearts forever, SIR SCOTT. #RRRMovie.”
SS Rajamouli, the director of the movie RRR, expressed his condolences for the passing of the acclaimed actor in a deeply saddening message. In a tweet, along with a photograph taken on the film’s set, he expressed his shock and disbelief at the news.
Rajamouli emphasized the immense energy and liveliness that the actor, Ray, brought to the set, which was contagious. Collaborating with him was an absolute delight. He extended his prayers to Ray’s family and wished for peace for his departed soul.
Rosario Dawson, who is set to star in the Ashoka series alongside Stevenson, took to Instagram to express her shock and devastation upon hearing about her co-star’s passing, describing him as an immensely remarkable individual. She referred to his death as a profound loss that has deeply affected her.
In the meantime, James Gunn, the director who participated in the making of the second Thor movie, expressed that the actor, who has passed away, was a delightful presence to collaborate with. Bear McCreary, the composer responsible for the music of the Black Sails TV series, praised Stevenson’s captivating and unforgettable performance as Blackbeard in the show.
Actor Scott Adkins, who starred alongside Stevenson in Accident Man, said he was “shocked and saddened by the tragic news”, adding: “I will miss you, Big Ray!”
