The death has been announced of Ray Stevenson, the Lisburn-born actor whose credits included Rome, Vikings, Punisher: War Zone, the Thor films, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and the Oscar-winning RRR. He was 58.
Stevenson's publicist told the US entertainment trade publication The Hollywood Reporter that the actor died on Sunday, four days before his 59th birthday. No cause of death was disclosed.
The Italian newspaper La Repubblica said that Stevenson had been hospitalised on the island of Ischia in the Gulf of Naples, where he was working on the action movie Cassino in Ischia.
Stevenson was born George Raymond Stevenson in Lisburn on 25 May 1964 while his father was stationed with the RAF in the North. The family moved to northeast England when he was eight years old.
A graduate of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Stevenson's screen career spanned three decades and also included the films The Theory of Flight, King Arthur, The Book of Eli, Kill the Irishman, GI Joe: Retaliation, Divergent and The Divergent Series: Insurgent.
On television, his credits included Das Boot, Reef Break, Star Wars Rebels, Dexter, Band of Gold and The Bill, among many others.
Stevenson was also part of the cast of the upcoming Star Wars spin-off series Ahsoka.
A tribute posted on StarWars.com read: "We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of our dear friend Ray Stevenson. Ray was an incredible combination of talent, warmth, humor, and heart.
"We were lucky to have Ray join the Star Wars galaxy as Gar Saxon in Star Wars Rebels and then more recently as Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka. His ability to play a villain, while being such a kind and caring person in reality, is a testament to his incredible talent."
Dave Filoni, Creator and Executive Producer of the Ahsoka series and Executive Creative Director for Lucasfilm, continued: "We have lost a great talent and friend in Ray Stevenson. His kindness and generosity were felt by our entire team on Ahsoka.
"I always looked forward to working with Ray, and I appreciated his insight and daily wisdom.
"I am glad that his memory will live on through his family, friends, and the many characters he created. Thank you Ray, for everything."
"Ray was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family at this time," the StarWars.com statement concluded.
In its tribute, Marvel Studios said: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ray Stevenson, who brought humor and wit to the [Thor] character of Volstagg. He was a wonderful actor who will be deeply missed, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones."
RRR writer-director S. S. Rajamouli wrote: "Shocking... Just can't believe this news. Ray brought in so much energy and vibrancy with him to the sets. It was infectious. Working with him was pure joy.
"My prayers are with his family. May his soul rest in peace."
