Ray Stevenson - a world-renowned star of TV and film - has sadly died at the age of 58.
As reported by BBC News, the actor's publicist firm, Viewpoint, confirmed the tragic passing of the star.
As of this writing, no cause of death has been announced.
The actor's death comes just four days before his 59th birthday. He was currently working on the action movie, Cassino in Ischia, and is set to appear in the upcoming Disney+ Star Wars series, Ahsoka.
Rosario Dawson, who plays the titular character of the series, took to Instagram to pay tribute to her co-star, describing Stevenson as "a giant of a man".
"Stunned and reeling from this tragic, devastating news," Dawson added. "Gone too soon from this world. At a loss for words... just wanted to mark this moment and share your ever ready and present smile. Love you forever. Holding your family in my heart."
The Irish actor has appeared in countless popular TV shows and movies, amassing legions of fans across his 30-year career.
On the small screen, fans may know Stevenson as the ruthless 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.
However, many UK fans may know Stevenson for his early career roles - such as Steve Dickson in ITV's Band of Gold or DI Tony Baynham in BBC's City Central.
BBC notes that Stevenson was born in Northern Ireland but moved to England when he was eight years old. He pursued a career in acting after being in the audience of a West End theater show that starred the legendary John Malkovich.
Other stars to pay tribute include Scott Adkins - who starred alongside Stevenson in Accident Man - who wrote that he has been left "shocked and saddened by the tragic news" of his former co-worker's death.
"I will miss you Big Ray! Life is short so make the most of it people," Adkins added.
And Stevenson's former Rome co-star James Purefoy described the late actor as a "brilliant, gutsy, larger-than-life actor who filled every part he played right up to the brim".
Our thoughts go out to Stevenson's family, friends, and fans at this time.
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