Sad news has rocked the film industry as Ray Stevenson, the Irish actor who has played both heroes and villains in many films, died on May 21 in Italy. The news of his death was confirmed by his publicist.

Stevenson was working on a new drama called Cassino in Ischia, in which he would have been playing a washed-up action hero. It is unknown what he died of as it has not been announced.

George Raymond Stevenson was born on May 25, 1964 in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. Moving to England with his family at the age of eight and was a graduate of the Bristol Old Vic Theater School. His film debut was 1998’s The Theory of Flight, in which he played a gigolo who tried to help Helana Bonham Carter’s character lose her virginity.

Over the past two decades though, Stevenson had made his mark on the action genre. He joined Dolph Lundgren and Thomas Jane in playing a big-screen Frank Castle in the 2008 film Punisher: War Zone. He would also play the handler Big Ray in the Accident Man films in 2018 and 2022. He would gain a massive following after his appearance as the lead villain in the Indian film RRR.

Stevenson is survived by his son Sebastiano.

WorldFilmGeek sends its condolences to the family of Ray Stevenson. He was a talented actor who truly gave it all in his performances. Rest In Peace.

H/T: Variety