'Thor' and 'King Arthur' Actor Ray Stevenson Passes Away

Actor Dies While Filming Movie 'Ischia Casino'

Ray Stevenson, an actor from Northern Ireland, has passed away at the age of 58. His management company spokesperson announced on the 21st (local time) that he was suddenly hospitalized and died while filming the movie 'Ischia Casino' on the Italian island of Ischia. The specific cause was not disclosed.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Born in 1964 in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, the late actor studied at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, a British acting school, and was actively involved in British and European TV series from the 1990s. He expanded into film with the 1998 movie 'The Theory of Flight,' directed by Paul Greengrass, and gained recognition for playing a Knight of the Round Table in the 2004 Hollywood film 'King Arthur.'

He became internationally known through appearances in Marvel Studios films. He starred in 'The Punisher: War Zone' and portrayed the Asgardian warrior Volstagg in the 'Thor' series. Around that time, he also played the lead role in the HBO series 'The Room,' which was very popular in the United States.

Other notable works include 'G.I. Joe: Retaliation,' the 'Divergent' trilogy, 'Big Game,' 'Transporter: Refueled,' 'RRR: Rise Roar Revolt,' and 'Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday.' He also voiced Saxon in the 'Star Wars' animated series 'Star Wars Rebels Season 3' and 'The Clone Wars.'

His final work is the live-action Star Wars series 'Ahsoka,' soon to be released on Disney Plus. He is survived by his wife, Italian anthropologist Elisabetta Caraccia, and their three sons.