Thor actor Ray Stevenson dies at age 58 after contracting mystery illness

Ray Stevenson attends the Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration 2023. Photo / Getty Images

Ray Stevenson has died at the age of 58.

The veteran actor was best known for his roles in the film King Arthur and in the hit HBO series Rome but passed away on Sunday May 21, just four days short of his 59th birthday.

His passing was confirmed to Variety by his publicist on Monday, but no cause of death was given.

According to the Italian newspaper Republica, the actor’s death “occurred this morning at the Rizzoli hospital on the island”- where he is thought to have been filming Cassino on Ischia - just days after he was admitted into medical care for a reported mystery illness.

Stevenson - who was first married to actress Ruth Gemmell from 1997 until 2005 - is survived by his children Sebastiano, 15, and 12-year-old Leonardo, who he has with long-term partner Elisabetta Caraccia.

Following the news of his passing, one tribute from a friend read: “One pal 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.”

Ray Stevenson has sadly passed away at the age of 58.

Stevenson played roles in the following projects

• The Punisher: War Zone
• Dexter
• Black Sails
• MCU Thor trilogy
• Star Wars Rebels
• Ahsoka
• King Arthur
• RRR
• The Other Guys
• The Divergent Series pic.twitter.com/vdCSn10Qvw

— Film Codex (@FilmCodex) May 22, 2023

His death comes just months ahead of the premiere of Star Wars series Ahsoka, which is due to stream on Disney+ from August 2023.

Stevenson is to appear as one of the antagonists in the series and will feature alongside the likes of Rosario Dawson, Natasha Liu Bordizzo and Hayden Christensen in the show.

Discussing what became one of his final roles, he said: “Getting to wield the light saber is just the best feeling in the world. The first time they handed it to for the camera test, I couldn’t help myself, I made the noise.”