Acclaimed actor Ray Stevenson, known for his roles in Thor series and Star Wars, has passed away at the age of 58. Stevenson’s US-based publicist firm, Viewpoint confirmed the news but gave no further details about the cause of his death.
Stevenson’s impressive career included notable appearances in television shows such as “Rome,” “Vikings,” and “Dexter.” He also had roles in major films like the Thor series and the Divergent series. In addition, he made significant contributions to UK TV shows like “Band of Gold,” “Peak Practice,” and “Murphy’s Law.”
The actor was reportedly hospitalized while filming on the Italian island of Ischia, where he was working on the action movie “Cassino in Ischia.” However, the circumstances surrounding his passing remain undisclosed. His death was announced just four days prior to his 59th birthday.
Born in Northern Ireland, Stevenson relocated to England at the age of eight when his father was stationed there with the Royal Air Force. Inspired by a performance by John Malkovich in a play, he pursued acting and studied at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. His early television roles included appearances in Catherine Cookson’s drama “The Dwelling Place” and various British shows like “Waking the Dead,” “Dalziel and Pascoe,” and “At Home with the Braithwaites.”
Stevenson’s talent and versatility also earned him prominent roles in Hollywood productions, such as the 2004 film “King Arthur” and HBO’s historical drama series “Rome,” where he portrayed the character of Titus Pullo. He will soon be seen in the upcoming Disney+ series “Star Wars: Ashoka,” playing the role of Baylan Skoll.
Following the news of Stevenson’s passing, his co-stars and colleagues have been paying tribute to the late actor. James Purefoy, who worked with Stevenson in “Rome,” praised his brilliance and larger-than-life presence, while Rosario Dawson, who will share the screen with him in “Ashoka,” expressed her shock and admiration for his talent. Director James Gunn, who collaborated with Stevenson on the second Thor film, described the actor as a joy to work with. Others, such as composer Bear McCreary and actor Scott Adkins, also shared heartfelt messages in memory of Stevenson’s remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry.
