Remembering Ray Stevenson: A Tribute to the Late Actor’s Illustrious Career in Film and Television
The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of veteran actor Ray Stevenson, who passed away on Sunday in Italy at the age of 58.[0] The Northern Irish actor, who had been a regular fixture on both the big and small screens since the early 1990s, had a career that spanned over three decades and included roles in a number of high-profile productions. While his representatives at Independent Talent Group confirmed his death, they did not disclose the cause.[1]
Stevenson's breakthrough role came in the HBO historical drama “Rome,” in which he played the Roman soldier Titus Pullo from 2005 to 2007.[2] The show went on to win seven Emmys during its two-season run, introducing Stevenson to a wider U.S. audience.[3] He appeared in a number of film and TV projects over the years, including “King Arthur” (2004), “Punisher: War Zone” (2008), “The Book of Eli” (2010), and “The Other Guys” (2010).[1]
However, it was his portrayal of Volstagg in Marvel's “Thor” franchise that brought him superstardom in 2011.[4] He reprised the role in two sequels, “Thor: The Dark World” (2013) and “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017).[5] Stevenson was also known for voicing Gar Saxon in “Star Wars Rebels” and “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” and he had been cast as antagonist Baylan Skoll in Disney+'s upcoming “Star Wars” series “Ahsoka,” due to be released later this year.[6]
Stevenson had recently appeared in the Oscar-nominated Tollywood blockbuster “RRR,” playing the antagonistic Governor Scott Buxton.[7] He was also cast in the lead role in “1242: Gateway to the West,” a historical drama, and had been working on Italian movie “Cassino in Ischia” at the time of his death.[8]
Stevenson's death has been met with an outpouring of grief from fellow actors and fans alike. James Purefoy, who starred alongside Stevenson in “Rome,” paid tribute to him on Twitter, calling him a “brilliant, gutsy, larger-than-life actor who filled every part he played right up to the brim.”[9] Stevenson is survived by his former wife, fellow actress Ruth Gemmell, and their three children.[0]
0. “How did actor Ray Stevenson die? Known for Star Wars, Thor, Punisher…” AS USA, 22 May. 2023, https://en.as.com/latest_news/how-did-actor-ray-stevenson-die-known-for-star-wars-thor-punisher-n/
1. “‘Thor,' ‘RRR' and ‘Divergent' Star Ray Stevenson Dead at 58” The Daily Beast, 22 May. 2023, https://www.thedailybeast.com/thor-rrr-and-divergent-star-ray-stevenson-dead-at-58
2. “Ray Stevenson Dies: Thor, RRR, Divergent, and Vikings actor was 58” JoBlo.com, 22 May. 2023, https://www.joblo.com/ray-stevenson-dies/
3. “Thor star and King Arthur actor Ray Stevenson has died aged 58” The Independent, 22 May. 2023, https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/ray-stevenson-death-actor-age-movies-b2343663.html
4. “Actor Ray Stevenson Dies, Aged 58 | Movies | Empire” Empire, 22 May. 2023, https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/actor-ray-stevenson-dies-aged-58/
5. “Ray Stevenson Dies: ‘RRR’, ‘Thor’, Vikings’ & ‘Rome’ Actor Was 58” Deadline, 22 May. 2023, https://deadline.com/2023/05/ray-stevenson-dead-rrr-thor-vikings-star-wars-divergent-actor-1235375795/
6. “Ray Stevenson dies: Actor in RRR and Thor films was 58” Sky News, 22 May. 2023, https://news.sky.com/story/ray-stevenson-dies-actor-in-rrr-and-thor-films-was-58-12887171
7. “Ray Stevenson dead: Punisher: War Zone actor died before Ahsoka series | EW.com” Entertainment Weekly News, 22 May. 2023, https://ew.com/celebrity/ray-stevenson-dead-punisher-war-zone-thor-ahsoka-actor-dies
8. “Ray Stevenson, ‘Thor' and ‘Divergent' Actor, Dead at 58” PEOPLE, 22 May. 2023, https://people.com/movies/ray-stevenson-thor-and-divergent-actor-dead-at-58
9. “Ray Stevenson Remembered: James Gunn, Co-Stars And Others Pay Tribute” Deadline, 22 May. 2023, https://deadline.com/2023/05/ray-stevenson-dead-tributes-james-gunn-1235376020
