Tributes are paid to Thor and Star Wars actor Ray Stevenson, who has died aged 58

Virgin Radio

23 May 2023, 06:47

Northern Irish actor Ray Stevenson, known for his roles in the likes of Thor, King Arthur, Dexter, Rome, Black Sails and Punisher: War Zone, has died at the age of 58.

His death has been confirmed by his publicists, although no cause has been disclosed.

Born in Lisburn, Stevenson appeared in TV shows in the 1990s, before landing his first major film role in the 2004 adventure movie King Arthur, where he played Dagonet, a Knight of the Round Table.

He also starred in Punisher: War Zone, alongside Dominic West, and was later in Marvel’s Thor, as Volstagg. He reprised the role in The Dark World and in Ragnarok. Most recently, he played Governor Scott Buxton in the Oscar-winning RRR.

On television, the actor portrayed Titus Pullo in TV series, Rome, Isaak Sirko in Dexter, Blackbeard in Black Sails and Ohthere of Hålogaland in Vikings. 

He provided the voice of Gar Saxon in Star Wars: Rebels and Clone Wars, and will posthumously appear alongside Rosario Dawson in another Star Wars spin-off Ahsoka, in which he will play former Jedi, Baylan Skoll.

Fans and friends have been paying tribute on Twitter. Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn wrote: “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. ♥️”

John Wick: Chapter 4 actor Scott Adkins wrote: “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”

Rome and Fisherman’s Friends star James Purefoy wrote: “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.”

The official account of the Oscar-winning movie, RRR, in which he portrayed the villainous Governor Scott, wrote: “What shocking news for all of us on the team! 💔 Rest in peace, Ray Stevenson. You will stay in our hearts forever, SIR SCOTT.”

The thoughts of everyone at Virgin Radio are with Ray's family and friends at this time.