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A versatile and charismatic performer
Ray Stevenson, a Northern Irish actor who played roles in various films and TV shows, such as Thor, Rome, and Star Wars, passed away on May 22, 2023. He was 58 years old and died just four days before his birthday. No cause of death has been revealed, but he was reportedly hospitalized while on set filming Cassino in Ischia on the Italian island of Ischia.
Stevenson was born in Lisburn, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, on May 25, 1964. He was the second of three sons born to a British father and an Irish mother. His father was a Royal Air Force pilot. He moved to England with his family at the age of eight and attended the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, graduating at the age of 29.
He began his acting career in 1993, appearing in various British TV shows, such as Waking the Dead, Dalziel and Pascoe, and At Home with the Braithwaites. He made his film debut in The Theory of Flight (1998) as a gigolo hired to help Helena Bonham Carter’s character lose her virginity.
He gained recognition for his role as Dagonet, a knight of the round table who sacrifices his life for his comrades, in the film King Arthur (2004). He also starred as Titus Pullo, a loyal and charismatic Roman soldier, in the BBC / HBO television series Rome (2005–2007).
A Marvel and Star Wars star
Stevenson portrayed two Marvel Comics characters: Frank Castle / The Punisher, a former United States Marine turned vigilante after the murder of his family, in Punisher: War Zone (2008) and The Super Hero Squad Show; and Volstagg, a jovial and loyal warrior of Asgard, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Thor (2011), Thor: The Dark World (2013), and Thor: Ragnarok (2017).
He also had roles in other films, such as Kill the Irishman (2011), where he portrayed mobster Danny Greene; The Three Musketeers (2011), where he played Porthos, one of the titular heroes; and RRR (2022), where he portrayed the villainous Governor Scott, a British officer who oppresses the Indian freedom fighters.
He was also a part of the Star Wars universe, voicing Gar Saxon, a Mandalorian warrior and Imperial commander, in Star Wars Rebels and Star Wars: The Clone Wars; and portraying Baylan Skoll, a former Jedi turned to the dark side who allies with Grand Admiral Thrawn, in the Disney+ series Ahsoka.
He was praised by his co-stars and fans for his versatility, charisma, and professionalism. Rosario Dawson, who played Ahsoka Tano, remembered him as a “gentle” and “heavy-handed” actor who brought “so much joy and laughter” to the set. Keira Knightley, who played Guinevere in King Arthur, called him a “wonderful” and “brilliant” actor who was “always up for a laugh”.
A loving father and partner
Stevenson was married to English actress Ruth Gemmell from 1997 to 2005. They met on the set of the TV series Band of Gold and appeared together in several projects, such as Peak Practice and The Return of the Native.
He had three sons with Italian anthropologist Elisabetta Caraccia, whom he met in 2005 while filming Rome in Italy. They lived together in Ibiza, Spain, and often traveled around the world for his work.
He was a devoted father and partner who cherished his family. He once said, “I have a wonderful woman in my life who is very supportive and very loving. I have three beautiful sons who are growing up fast and are amazing. It’s like I’ve been given a new lease of life”.
He also enjoyed painting, cooking, and playing guitar in his spare time. He said, “I love to paint. It’s very relaxing and it’s a great way to express myself. I also love to cook. I like to experiment with different cuisines and flavors. And I play guitar. I’m not very good, but I enjoy it”.
A legacy of talent and passion
Stevenson left behind a legacy of talent and passion that touched many people. He was a versatile and charismatic actor who could play any role, from a heroic knight to a ruthless villain, from a comic relief to a tragic figure. He was a loving father and partner who valued his family above all. He was a creative and adventurous person who enjoyed life to the fullest.
He will be missed by his fans, friends, and family, who will remember him for his work and his spirit. He will also be seen in his upcoming projects, such as 1242: Gateway to the West and Cassino in Ischia, which will be released posthumously.
Ray Stevenson, actor known for Thor and Star Wars, dies at 58. He was a star who shone bright in the entertainment industry and in the hearts of many. Rest in peace, Ray Stevenson.
