News reached us on May 21 that prolific British actor Ray Stevenson died unexpectedly in Ischia, Campania, Italy at the age of just 58.
A name genre fans may not immediately recognise; Stevenson is perhaps best remembered by them for his appearances in a series of Marvel properties. In 2008’s Punisher: War Zone the actor took on the titular role, replacing Thomas Jane. War Zone was set to act as a reboot following the disappointment of the 2004 adaption, but ultimately bombed at the box-office, grossing just $10 million on a $30 million budget. In more recent years, Stevenson took on the role of Volstagg in Marvel’s first three Thor films.
Away from Marvel, Stevenson has dabbled with horror in both film and television. In 2008 he battled Nazi Zombies in the film Outpost, and starred for the BBC in the horror-drama Life Line, in which his character received messages from the dead via a phone-in service.
Working steadily his entire career, Stevenson maintained several regular roles on the big and small screens. He portrayed Marcus Eaton in the popular Divergent film series, starred for two years as Titus Pullo in HBO’s Rome and received a Saturn Award nomination for his 9-episode arc as Isaak Sirko in Dexter.
Stevenson reportedly became unwell on-set of his latest project Cassino in Ischia and was taken to hospital, where he died a short time later. He is survived by his three sons with partner Elisabetta Caraccia.
Rest easy, Ray
