Ray Stevenson, Actor in Black Sails, Vikings and the Thor Films, Dead at 58
Black Sails and Thor actor Ray Stevenson has died, our sister site Variety reports. He was 58.
A cause of death has not yet been made public.
Stevenson appeared in numerous TV shows and films throughout the 1990s and early ’00s before starring opposite Grey’s Anatomy’s Kevin McKidd in the historical drama Rome. He also played Blackbeard in Black Sails and voiced Mandalorian commander Gar Saxon in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Additional TV credits include Vikings, The Spanish Princess, Medici and Dexter.
On the film side, Stevenson portrayed the Asgardian warrior Volstagg in the Thor franchise as well as Marcus in the Divergent trilogy. Other credits include RRR (this year’s Oscar winner for Best Original Song), The Other Guys, The Book of Eli, The Three Musketeers (2011) and Antoine Fuqua’s King Arthur.
Stevenson will also play Baylan Skoll in the upcoming Star Wars series Ahsoka, which is slated for release this August on Disney+. Skoll, an original character, is a former Jedi who survived Order 66 and is said to be allied with the villainous Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen).
The actor previewed his character during Star Wars Celebration in London this past April, telling Screen Rant, “Maybe he’s unique… some catalyst that upsets the apple cart, that sparks off and fires, and yet is meandering through a journey that is colliding and causing reactions… When you see Baylan actually get to meet Thrawn, [you wonder] if it’s the first time or last time. ‘What’s going on again? Hang on, what’s the dynamic here?’”
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truly shocking, prayers to those who loved and admired him.
He was a legend for sure.
How incredibly sad; I remember him from Reef Break – that was such a fun summer show on ABC. He was a really great actor.
Thank you – I was trying to remember the name of that show! It was a fun one, and he was quite good in it.
rest in peace, I really enjoyed some of the work he did, mainly gi joe 2 and punisher war zone
Gone far too soon. Rest in peace.
Thirteen!!!
I’m really sad about this. So young. Wishing his family the best.
This is sad, rest in peace. Loved him in Rome.
Titus Pollo, he played the part, defined for eternity the role. Cast as a supporting part he transformed Titus Pollo into an interesting nuanced leading part. I found his character portrayal complex, part brute, skilled warrior, at it’s core a loyal legionnaire. A simple part that played by anyone else would have been just that. Ray Stevenson made “Rome” not only very much the more watchable but unforgettable.
He brought immense humanity to an era where there was none.
I agree with you no one could play his part in Rome
This is shocking news. RIP.
Being an actor has never been more challenging. Remaining relevant as an actor nearly impossible. Computer Graphics, diminishing interest in motion pictures. It’s clear Mr. Stevenson was popular as both an actor and personality. Larger than life he will remain forever in our hearts.
RIP Titus Pullo!
How sad. He was way too young to die. I loved him as “Titus Pullo” in Rome. What a great character, and Stevenson played him SO well. Very sad. Prayers for him and for his family.
Man, this was a shocker. Ray Stevenson could go from menacing (Frank Castle in Punisher: War Zone) to boisterous (Volstagg in the Thor movies). RIP…
He was my favorite actor. He was solid, no matter how small the role.
Agreed, he was great….very sad news…
Can’t believe Mr Stevenson has passed away ALL our favorites seem to be going away and at 58???? So young. Great UNDERRATED actor was a scene stealer!! Watch Rome he was BRILLIANT. Won’t be missed as we’ll watch his work forever his brilliance is memorialized on video!!
When my son passed away I didn’t shed a single tear. But since hearing of this legends death, I have been unable to stop crying. La truly remarkable man who lit up the screen in everything he appeared in
I’m in shock as is my son. We loved Ray Stevenson. My from your fans. All of us are with his family and friends at this time. God bless you all. I hope God gives you strength in this difficult time
Love
RIP you will be missed
RIP Ray a true gentleman who I was fortunate enough to meet on the set of Black Sails. I walked right into him during a take coming around a corner with the sun in my eyes and was knocked to the floor he laughed and helped me up and tried to dust me off. A great Blackbeard and talent . You will be missed.
I had the opportunity to work with Ray on a NYC pilot. A lovely man and we connected easily and effortlessly. We understood each other. I appreciated it. I hope he did.
Ray, my family and I will miss you!! R.I.P.