Actor Ray Stevenson has died at the age of 58
Ray Stevenson has died at the age of 58.
He was best known for starring roles in Punisher: War Zone and the Rome television show.
Variety confirmed the news with his publicist.
The Northern Irish actor died on Sunday, his publicist Nicki Fioravante told The Hollywood Reporter, though no further details were made available.
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UNILAD has contacted Stevenson's representatives for comment.
After appearing across several TV shows in the 90s, his first major film role came in Antoine Fuqua’s 2004’s adventure movie King Arthur.
He starred as Dagonet, one of the Knights of the Round Table.
However, the actor is perhaps best known for his 2008 role in Marvel film, Punisher: War Zone, where he played titular mercenary, Frank Castle, and as Volstagg in the Thor franchise.
More recently, Stevenson appeared in the action drama RRR and acted alongside Liam Neeson in the crime thriller Memory.
He also plays one of the main antagonists in the upcoming Star Wars series Ahsoka.
“Getting to wield the light saber is just the best feeling in the world,” he said at a public appearance at Star Wars Celebration in April.
“The first time they handed it to for the camera test, I couldn’t help myself, I made the noise.”
Tributes have been pouring in on social media, with one person tweeting: "RIP legend.
"I’ll always stand by Punisher: Warzone on a totally kickass fun flick that people completely slept on."
Another said: "Damn. He was the highlight of Season 7 of Dexter. RIP."
"RIP to a true legend. My deepest condolences to his family and friends," a third wrote.
A fourth added: "Really sorry to hear it. He was AMAZING as Titus Pullo in Rome!"
"His role in Rome TV show will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace," another said.
In an interview with backtstage.com, the actor revealed how he prepare for an audition.
He said: "There was an actor I was talking to in L.A., and she said, 'I’d like to go over this audition piece.' And I start to go over it with her and she goes, 'Do I have to learn it?' I looked at her and my heart sank, like, why would you not want to? You’ve got a chance to be an actor for three or four minutes.
"Why do you not delight in learning it and then letting the director direct you? So, how do I prepare? It just comes in the reading and the playing of the thing. You have no idea who’s going to be reading or acting with you, so you’ve got to leave [yourself] free enough, but you’ve got to learn what the scene is about."
Topics: Celebrity, Film and TV
Anish Vij