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Ray Stevenson

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This article is about the actor. For the Canadian political activist, see Ray Stevenson (political activist).

Ray Stevenson
Stevenson in 2014
Born
George Raymond Stevenson

(1964-05-25)25 May 1964
Lisburn, Northern Ireland
Died21 May 2023(2023-05-21) (aged 58)
Ischia, Campania, Italy
EducationBristol Old Vic Theatre School
OccupationActor
Years active1993–2023
Spouse
​
​
(m. 1997; div. 2005)​
PartnerElisabetta Caraccia
Children3

George Raymond Stevenson (25 May 1964 – 21 May 2023) was a British actor from Northern Ireland, best known for his film and television work. He had a starring role as legionary Titus Pullo on the BBC/HBO television series Rome (2005–07), and portrayed two Marvel Comics characters: Frank Castle / The Punisher in Punisher: War Zone (2008) and The Super Hero Squad Show and Volstagg in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (2011–17).

His other notable film roles included Dagonet in King Arthur (2004), mobster Danny Greene in Kill the Irishman (2011), Porthos in The Three Musketeers (also 2011), and the villainous Governor-General Scott Buxton in RRR (2022). His television roles include Ukrainian mobster Isaak Sirko in the seventh season of Dexter (2012), for which he received a Saturn Award nomination; Blackbeard in the third and fourth seasons of Black Sails (2016–17), voicing Gar Saxon in Star Wars Rebels (2016–17) and Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2020), Ohthere in 11 episodes of Vikings (2020), and portraying Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka (2023).

Stevenson was married to English actress Ruth Gemmell for eight years, and had three sons with Italian anthropologist Elisabetta Caraccia.

Early life

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George Raymond Stevenson was born in Lisburn in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, on 25 May 1964, the second of three sons born to a British father and an Irish mother. His father was a Royal Air Force pilot.[1] He moved to England with his family at the age of eight, first settling in the Lemington area of Newcastle upon Tyne and later in Seaton Delaval. He attended Bath Lane College (Newcastle upon Tyne) on a design course, then the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, graduating at the age of 29.[citation needed]

Career

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Film

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Stevenson made his film debut in The Theory of Flight (1998) as a gigolo hired to help Helena Bonham Carter's character lose her virginity.[2] In 2002, he starred in the short film No Man's Land, which was the antipodal picture from actor/director Edward Hicks prior to his graduation from the London Film School. In the 12-minute film, set during World War I, Stevenson portrayed an experienced private who is forced to help a novice officer (David Birkin) back to safety after they both find themselves trapped and isolated in "No Man's Land" during the Battle of Ypres. In 2004, he starred in King Arthur as Dagonet, a knight of the round table who sacrifices his life for his comrades.[2] His first leading role in a film was in the Scottish horror picture Outpost (2008), portraying a mercenary pitted against Nazi zombies in a bunker somewhere in Eastern Europe. That same year, he also starred in Punisher: War Zone, as Frank Castle / The Punisher, a former United States Marine turned vigilante after the murder of his family. In 2010, he played an antagonist in the comedy The Other Guys.[2]

In 2011, Stevenson appeared in the film Kill the Irishman, based on the book To Kill the Irishman: The War That Crippled the Mafia, as Danny Greene, the Irish mob boss who took on the Italian-American Cleveland crime family during the 1970s.[3] He starred as Volstagg, one of Thor's trusted comrades, in the 2011 Marvel film Thor. Also that year, he played Porthos in Paul W. S. Anderson's adaptation of The Three Musketeers.[2] He played Firefly in G.I. Joe: Retaliation, released in 2013. He appeared in the Finnish-American thriller film Big Game.[4] In 2014, he starred in the film Divergent, based on the first book of The Divergent Series. He reprised his role in the sequels, The Divergent Series: Insurgent, released in March 2015, and The Divergent Series: Allegiant, released in March 2016.[2]

In 2019, Stevenson was announced as a lead antagonist in the Telugu film RRR, directed by S. S. Rajamouli and released in 2022. This marked his debut in Indian cinema.[5]

Television

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Stevenson played legionary Titus Pullo in the BBC/HBO series Rome. His other television work included guest appearances in Waking the Dead, Murphy's Law and lead roles in City Central and At Home with the Braithwaites.[6] He also appeared in TV films, including Some Kind of Life in 1995, and The Return of the Native. Some of his earliest parts were in two Catherine Cookson films: The Dwelling Place (1994) and The Tide of Life (1996).[2] Stevenson reprised his role as the Punisher as a voice actor in The Super Hero Squad Show and played the role of Isaak Sirko in the seventh season of Dexter in 2012.[2]

On 24 March 2015, it was announced by producers that Stevenson would be joining the cast of the Starz series Black Sails as the character Edward Teach.[7]

Stevenson also appeared in Season 6 of the series Vikings as Othere, which ran from 2013 to 2020. He also appeared in Season 3 of the series Das Boot as Commander Jack Swinburne in 2022.[8]

At Star Wars Celebration 2023, Stevenson was announced as playing the Dark Jedi Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka, a miniseries debuting on Disney+.[9] After the series' debut following Stevenson's passing, Stevenson's Skoll quickly became a fan favorite.[10][11] In an interview on Stevenson's part, showrunner Dave Filoni noted that when he was told to play Skoll as a villain, "[Stevenson] was like, ‘I don’t think so.’ I'm like, ‘Okay, I appreciate that you don’t think so, and Baylan wouldn’t think he’s the villain, but you are a villain in this.’ And he's like, ‘We’ll see.’ It was kind of perfect.” [12] Stevenson also offered input on the design of his character's lightsaber hilt.[13]

Stevenson's performance in Ahsoka also received considerable praise from critics. Metro described his work as "one of the highlights of the entire Star Wars series," [14] while Collider described Stevenson as having "an inescapable gravitas" and that he "gave a masterclass in character building."[13]

Stage

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Stevenson's stage work included playing the part of Jesus Christ in the York Mystery Plays in 2000 at York Minster. In 2001, he took the part of Roger in the play Mouth to Mouth by Kevin Elyot, at the Albery Theatre in London with Lindsay Duncan and Michael Maloney. His best-known part was perhaps that of the Cardinal in The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster with Janet McTeer at the Royal National Theatre in 2003.[15]

Personal life

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In 1997, Stevenson married English actress Ruth Gemmell in London; they had met on the set of Band of Gold (1995), and later played a married couple in Peak Practice (1997). They divorced in 2005 after eight years of marriage.[16]

Stevenson had three sons with Italian anthropologist Elisabetta Caraccia.[17]

Death

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Stevenson died on 21 May 2023, at age 58.[18][9] Although no cause of death has been revealed, Ray Stevenson's partner, Elisabetta Carracia, spoke on the Wellness World USA podcast in 2024, explaining that although Stevenson's death was a surprise, it was due to continuing heart problems. He was reportedly hospitalised while on set filming Cassino in Ischia on the Italian island of Ischia.[19][20] Stevenson's co-stars, including Rosario Dawson, Scott Adkins, and James Purefoy, paid tribute.[19] Stevenson's role in Cassino in Ischia was taken over by Dominic Purcell.[21]

The first episode of Ahsoka, released just over three months after Stevenson's death on 22 August 2023, includes a dedication to him: "For our friend, Ray".[22] Ivanna Sakhno, who played Shin Hati, Stevenson's on-screen apprentice in Ahsoka, wrote in commemoration that she would be "forever his Wolf," in tribute to their characters being named after the two wargs who pursued the moon and sun in Norse mythology.[23]

Filmography

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Film

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Key
† Denotes films that have not yet been released
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1998 The Theory of Flight Gigolo [2]
1999 G:MT – Greenwich Mean Time Mr. Hardy [3]
2002 No Man's Land Short film
2004 King Arthur Dagonet [2]
2008 Outpost DC [2]
Punisher: War Zone Frank Castle / Punisher [2]
2009 Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant Murlough [2]
2010 The Book of Eli Redridge [2]
The Other Guys Roger Wesley [2]
2011 Kill the Irishman Danny Greene [3]
Thor Volstagg [2]
The Three Musketeers Porthos [2]
2013 G.I. Joe: Retaliation Firefly [2]
Jayne Mansfield's Car Phillip Bedford [2]
Thor: The Dark World Volstagg [2]
2014 Divergent Marcus Eaton [2]
Big Game Morris [2]
2015 The Divergent Series: Insurgent Marcus Eaton [2]
The Transporter: Refueled Frank Martin Sr. [2]
2016 The Divergent Series: Allegiant Marcus Eaton [2]
2017 Thor: Ragnarok Volstagg [2]
Cold Skin Gruner [2]
2018 Accident Man Big Ray [2]
Final Score Arkady Belav [2]
2022 RRR Governor Scott Buxton [2]
Memory Detective Danny Mora [2]
Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday Big Ray [2]
2024 Canary Black Jarvis Hedlund Posthumous release [24]
TBA 1242: Gateway to the West † Cesareane Post-production, posthumous release [25]

Television

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1993 A Woman's Guide to Adultery Journalist
1994 The Dwelling Place Matthew Whitwell 3 episodes [2]
The Return of the Native Clym Yeobright Television film [2]
1995 Band of Gold Steve Dickson 12 episodes [16]
Some Kind of Life Steve Television film [2]
1996 The Tide of Life Larry Birch 3 episodes [2]
1997 Peak Practice Joe Higson Episode: "Home Truths"
Drover's Gold Armstrong 5 episodes [6]
1998 City Central DI Tony Baynham 32 episodes [6]
1999 Love in the 21st Century Alex Episode: "Toyboys" [6]
2000 Holby City Laurence Haney Episode: "Taking It on the Chin"
The Bill Sgt. Gartland Episode: "Over the Edge"
2001 At Home with the Braithwaites Graham Braithwaite 11 episodes [2]
Dalziel and Pascoe Jeff Parry Episode: "Truth and Consequences" [2]
2003 Red Cap Sgt. Chris Roxborough Episode: "Cover Story"
Murphy's Law Robert Eaglan Episode: "Kiss and Tell" [2]
2004 Waking the Dead Dr Tim Faulkner Episode: "Fugue States"
2005–2007 Rome Titus Pullo 22 episodes [2]
2007 Life Line Peter Brasco Television film [6]
2009 The Super Hero Squad Show Frank Castle / Punisher Voice, Episode: "Night in the Sanctorum!" [26][2]
2012 Dexter Isaak Sirko 9 episodes
Nominated – Saturn Award for Best Guest Starring Role on Television 		[2]
2014 Crossing Lines Miles Lennon 4 episodes
2015 Saints & Strangers Stephen Hopkins Miniseries [2]
2016–2017 Black Sails Edward Teach / Blackbeard 11 episodes [2]
Star Wars Rebels Gar Saxon Voice, 2 episodes [9]
2017 Rellik DSI Edward Benton 6 episodes [2]
2019 Reef Break Jake Elliot 13 episodes [2]
Medici Ferdinand I of Naples 2 episodes [9]
2020 The Spanish Princess James IV of Scotland 2 episodes [2]
Vikings Ohthere of Hålogaland 11 episodes [2]
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Gar Saxon Voice, 2 episodes [9]
2022 Das Boot Commander Jack Swinburne 8 episodes [9]
2023 Ahsoka Baylan Skoll Main role, 8 episodes; posthumous release [9]

Stage

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2000 York Mystery Plays Christ [27]
2001 Mouth to Mouth Roger [27]
2003 The Duchess of Malfi The Cardinal [15]

References

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  1. ^ "BBC – Press Office – Rome press pack phase two Ray Stevenson". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au "Ray Stevenson List of Movies and TV Shows". TV Guide. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  3. ^ a b c "Ray Stevenson Filmography". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  4. ^ "Samuel Jackson Hunts a 'Big Game' (Trailer) -". bloody-disgusting.com. 5 January 2015. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
  5. ^ Press Trust of India (20 November 2019). "SS Rajamouli ropes in Olivia Morris Ray Stevenson and Alison Doody for RRR". India Today. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
  6. ^ a b c d e "Ray Stevenson". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on 4 January 2019. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  7. ^ Friedlander, Whitney. "'Divergent's' Ray Stevenson Joins Starz's 'Black Sails' as Blackbeard". Variety. Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media, LLC. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  8. ^ "Das Boot (TV Series 2018– ) – "Cast" credits – IMDb". IMDb. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g Pederson, Erik (22 May 2023). "Ray Stevenson Dies: 'RRR', 'Thor', Vikings' & 'Divergent' Actor Was 58". Deadline. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  10. ^ Smith, Ryan (7 October 2023). "Baylan Skoll Raises Some of Star Wars' Biggest Questions". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  11. ^ Castleton, Lord (3 October 2023). "What Makes Ahsoka's Baylon Skoll So Damn Captivating?". Pajiba. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  12. ^ Coggan, Devan (22 November 2023). "Dave Filoni remembers "Ahsoka "star Ray Stevenson and explains Baylan Skoll's big finale cliffhanger". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  13. ^ a b Bardini, Julio (10 October 2023). "It's a Shame We Won't Get More of Ray Stevenson's Baylan Skoll in Star Wars". Collider. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  14. ^ Barr, Sabrina (3 October 2023). "Ray Stevenson's performance in Ahsoka before his death purposely paid homage to original Star Wars movies". Metro. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  15. ^ a b Wolf, Matt (3 February 2003). "The Duchess of Malfi". Variety. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  16. ^ a b Koncienzcy, Rebecca (10 December 2017). "Where is the cast of Band of Gold now?". Liverpool Echo. Reach Plc. Retrieved 7 March 2019. She married fellow Band of Gold actor Ray Stevenson in 1997, but the couple divorced in 2005.
  17. ^ Bahr, Lindsey (22 May 2023). "Ray Stevenson, of 'Rome' and 'Thor' movies, dies at 58". ABC News. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  18. ^ "Ray Stevenson, 'Punisher: War Zone' and 'Rome' Star, dies at 58". TheWrap. 22 May 2023. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  19. ^ a b "Ray Stevenson: Thor, Volstagg and Star Wars actor dies aged 58". BBC News. 22 May 2023. Retrieved 23 May 2023.
  20. ^ VanHoose, Benjamin (24 May 2023). "Ray Stevenson Was Rushed to Hospital from Set Before Death, Filming Was Suspended: Sources (Exclusive)". People. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
  21. ^ Wiseman, Andreas (29 June 2023). "Dominic Purcell Replaces Late Ray Stevenson In Cassino In Ischia Movie From Republic Pictures & Paramount Global". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  22. ^ Ross, Dalton (22 August 2023). "Ahsoka premiere pays tribute to the late Ray Stevenson". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
  23. ^ Lammers, Tim (4 October 2023). "Ivanna Sakhno's Tribute To Late Ahsoka Co-Star Ray Stevenson Will Make You Cry". Looper. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  24. ^ Staff, Amazon (2 August 2024). "Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video fall lineup: 13 films you won't want to miss". www.aboutamazon.com. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  25. ^ Vlessing, Etan (25 January 2023). "Ray Stevenson Replaces Kevin Spacey in Epic Drama '1242: Gateway to the West'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  26. ^ "Marvel Super Hero Squad voice Cast". Comics Continuum. 28 July 2009. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  27. ^ a b "Ray Stevenson". Empire. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
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