Irish actor Ray Stevenson dies, aged 58

No cause of death has been revealed.

Irish actor Ray Stevenson has passed away at the age of 58, his publicist has confirmed. The Punisher: War Zone star featured in a number of big projects including King Arthur, the Thor films and shows like HBO’s Rome and the upcoming Disney+ series Ahsoka. Born in Lisburn in 1964, Stevenson moved to England with his family at the age of eight, where he went on to attend the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, graduating at the age of 29.

I’m shocked and saddened by the tragic news that a great actor and my good friend Ray Stevenson has passed away. I will miss you Big Ray! Life is short so make the most of it people. #RIP #RayStevenson pic.twitter.com/atcNWKLSYM

— Scott Adkins (@TheScottAdkins) May 22, 2023

Damn. So sorry to hear about the passing, far too young, of Ray Stevenson. I only knew him a little from shooting post-credits of Thor 2 & a couple interactions at events, but we had some good laughs & he was a joy to work with. His friends & family are in my heart today. ♥️

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) May 22, 2023

He started to appear in Hollywood films in the early 2000s, with his first major film role coming in 2004’s King Arthur starring Clive Owen, where he played Dagonet, one of the Knights of the Round Table. In 2008, Stevenson landed the role of Frank Castle in Marvel's Punisher: War Zone. He was the third actor to portray the titular anti-hero, after Dolph Lundgren and Thomas Jane. The actor went on to appear in another Marvel flick in 2011's Thor alongside Chris Hemsworth. He played Volstagg, one of the Warriors Three who were allies to the titular character.

So sad to hear the news that Ray Stevenson, our Pullo in Rome, has passed away. A brilliant, gutsy, larger-than-life actor who filled every part he played right up to the brim. My thoughts are with his family, his lovely wife Betta and their beautiful kids. What a loss.

— James Purefoy ?? (@JamesPurefoy) May 22, 2023

What shocking news for all of us on the team! ?

Rest in peace, Ray Stevenson. You will stay in our hearts forever, SIR SCOTT. pic.twitter.com/YRlB6iYLFi — RRR Movie (@RRRMovie) May 22, 2023

Stevenson appeared in the Oscar-nominated blockbuster RRR as antagonist Governor Scott Buxton. He will also appear in the upcoming Disney+ Star Wars series Ahsoka as Jedi Baylan Skoll, who turns to the dark side and becomes an ally to the diabolic Grand Admiral Thrawn. Other movie roles Stevenson is known for in his career include The Book of Eli, The Three Musketeers, The Other Guys and the Divergent series.

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