Ray Stevenson, known for his work in both the Star Wars and Marvel franchises, has died. His publicist Nicki Fioravante confirmed that the Irish-born actor passed away on Sunday May 21, 2023 at just 58 years old. The actor has over 60 acting credits to his name.
The actor played Volstagg, a “boisterous member of the Warriors Three,” in Marvel’s “Thor” franchise. He took on the role for the 2011 “Thor” film, and appeared in several different movies in the franchise. He last played the character in 2017’s “Thor: Ragnarok.” It was a role he has said he was very proud of.
The cause of death is unknown at this time. He had no ongoing illness that he made public knowledge. His death appears to have been sudden because he attended Star Wars Celebration in London last month and talked about his excitement at his role in the “Akosha” series. “Getting to wield the light saber is just the best feeling in the world,” he said.
Stevenson was born in Northern Ireland as Gregory Raymond Stevenson. He moved to England as a child and that was where the actor called home. He leaves behind a wife and three children.
The actor gravitated toward historical work. He took on real life iconic historical figures such as Titua Pullo and Blackbeard as well as historical fictional characters such as Porthos from “The Three Muskateers” and Othere from “Vikings.”
Actor and former co-star James Purefoy said “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.” Our Hearts go out to Stevenson’s family. The actor who seems to have had a hand in every major franchise, from Dexter to Divergent will be greatly missed.