Ray Stevenson, a veteran actor who starred in many popular movies and TV shows, passed away on May 22, 2023, at the age of 58. He was hospitalized in Ischia, Italy, where he was filming a movie called Cassino in Ischia. His death shocked and saddened his fans and colleagues, who remembered him as a talented and gentle person. But what was the cause of his death? Here is what we know so far.
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Possible Heart Attack
According to StyleCaster, Stevenson’s PR company Viewpoint confirmed his death but did not disclose the cause. However, some reports suggest that he suffered a heart attack while shooting the movie. He had been experiencing chest pains during the filming and was admitted to the hospital on May 21, 2023. He died the next day, just four days before his 59th birthday.
Unreleased Projects
Stevenson had been working on several projects that were not released before his death. He had completed his role as Baylan Skroll, a former Jedi turned to the dark side, in the Disney+ Star Wars series Ahsoka. He had also filmed parts of the historical drama 1242: Gateway to the West and the comedy Cassino in Ischia. He was also set to star in the Tollywood movie RRR, which was released posthumously.
Tribute from the Industry
Stevenson’s death was mourned by many of his co-stars and friends in the entertainment industry. Rosario Dawson, who played Ahsoka Tano in the Star Wars series, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, calling him a “gentle giant” and a “beautiful soul”. She also shared some photos of them together on the set. The first episode of Ahsoka also ended with a message that read “For our friend, Ray”.
Other celebrities who expressed their condolences included Chris Hemsworth, who played Thor alongside Stevenson in the Marvel movies, Dominic Purcell, who replaced Stevenson in Cassino in Ischia, and SS Rajamouli, the director of RRR. They praised Stevenson’s acting skills, professionalism, and kindness, and said that he would be missed.
A Look at His Career
Stevenson was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in England. He was inspired to pursue acting by John Malkovich, whom he met at a workshop. He started his career in British TV shows, such as Waking the Dead, Dalziel and Pascoe, and At Home with the Braithwaites. He got his breakthrough role in 2004, when he played Dagonet in King Arthur, opposite Keira Knightley.
He went on to star in many action and fantasy films, such as The Punisher: War Zone, The Book of Eli, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, and The Three Musketeers. He also played Volstagg, one of the Warriors Three, in the Thor franchise. He was also known for his roles in historical dramas, such as Titus Pullo in Rome, Isaak Sirko in Dexter, and Blackbeard in Black Sails. He also voiced characters in animated shows, such as Star Wars Rebels and Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Stevenson was a versatile and charismatic actor, who could play both heroes and villains with equal flair. He had a loyal fan base, who admired his work and personality. He was also a devoted husband and father, who loved his family and friends. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances and a lasting impression on the hearts of many.
