Ray Stevenson, the actor behind memorable roles in Marvel’s Thor series, RRR, Divergent, Vikings, and more, died Sunday in Italy. Details related to Stevenson’s passing are developing. However, the Italian newspaper La Repubblica says he was hospitalized on the island of Ischia while in production on the film Cassino on Ischia, directed by Frank Ciota.
In April, Stevenson embraced fans at Star Wars Celebration. In the upcoming Star Wars series Ahsoka, he plays one of the primary antagonists, Baylan Skoll. Like a kid waking up on Christmas morning to a tree packed with presents, Stevenson expressed his gratitude for playing in the Star Wars Universe by saying, “Getting to wield the light saber is just the best feeling in the world,” he said with a smile. “The first time they handed it to for the camera test, I couldn’t help myself, I made the noise.”
Many know Stevenson as Volstagg from Marvel’s Thor series. Still, he’s played several stand-out roles, always commanding attention and leaving an impression. He recently played the primary villain Scott Buxton in SS Rajamouli’s RRR, Othere in Vikings, Jack Swinburne in the television adaptation of Das Boot, and Marcus in Neil Burger’s Divergent. He also played Frank Castle in 2008’s Punisher: War Zone. When he wasn’t gazing into cameras with a piercing stare, Stevenson voiced animated characters, including Gar Saxon for Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Rebels.
Stevenson was born on May 25, 1964, in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. Breaking onto the acting scene in the 1990s, Stevenson appeared on various television series before appearing alongside Helena Bonham Carter and Kenneth Branagh in Paul Greengrass’s The Theory of Flight. Stevenson oscillated between film and television throughout his prolific career. One of his most significant parts came when he played Titus Pullo on the HBO drama Rome.
Filming for his latest project, Cassino on Ischia, is in its early stages. In the film, Stevenson plays an older action movie star who wants to revive his career by going to Italy to make a gritty comeback film. While there, he must reconcile family trauma to get his career back on track.
We here at JoBlo are saddened by the news of Stevenson’s passing. We wish his family, friends, and fans the best as they navigate this terrible loss. Safe journey, Mr. Stevenson. Rest well.
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