Following the heartbreaking news that Ray Stevenson had passed away at the age of 58, fans have been paying tribute to one of the greatest character actors of our generation.
News of Stevenson's death broke on Monday (May 22), with BBC News reporting that the actor's publicist firm, Viewpoint, had confirmed the tragic passing of the star.
The actor had been working on an upcoming action movie before reportedly being hospitalized on the Italian island of Ischia.
As of this writing, no cause of death has been announced.
The actor's death occurred over the weekend, and the news comes just days before his 59th birthday.
As the news broke, tributes from co-stars and fans flooded social media -- with many fans praising Stevenson for being one of the greatest character actors in both TV and film.
On the small screen, fans may know Stevenson as the criminal syndicate leader Isaak Sirko in Dexter, or as seafarer Ohthere of Hålogaland in Vikings. And on the big screen, Stevenson appeared as a member of the Warriors Three, Volstagg, in the MCU Thor trilogy, and as Marcus Eaton in the Divergent movie series.
Other notable roles include Titus Pullo in Rome, Blackbeard in Black Sails, and Dagonet in King Arthur.
With so many instantly recognizable roles over his 30-year career, it's no surprise that Stevenson had amassed legions across the world.
"Ray Stevenson was a true character actor," one fan tweeted. "A commanding presence (but by all accounts a gentleman off screen), eclectic and prolific in his output: Rome, Punisher: War Zone, Thor, Accident Man etc, and it's cool that one of his final calls was for RRR."
A second added: "We lost a real one today. So many great roles. Ray Stevenson was such a fun character actor."
"I'm devastated to hear the news about Ray Stevenson," wrote a third fan. "A terrific character actor that I absolutely loved to watch whenever he was on screen. His portrayal of Black Beard in Black Sails is one of my favorites."
A fourth added: "I'm so bloody sad to hear about the death of Ray Stevenson, he was an amazing character actor who was amazing at his craft, may he rest in peace."
Another fan gushed: "Ray Stevenson was the consummate character actor. Always putting in the work and giving his best no matter how small the role. He was a natural fit for Volstagg and the Punisher. He was great no matter what and I hope his character in the Ahsoka show is a good final role for him."
Collider also paid tribute to Stevenson and his acting legacy, writing: "A character actor without compare, the late Ray Stevenson was one of the greats whose work will endure."
Our thoughts continue to go out to Stevenson's family, friends, and fans at this time.
