Rome: Ray Stevenson, the Irish actor who played the villainous British governor in 'RRR', an Asgardian warrior in the "Thor" films, and a member of the 13th Legion in HBO's 'Rome', has died. He was 58.
Representatives for Stevenson told The Associated Press that he died on Sunday. He was born in Lisburn in 1964.
RRR director SS Rajamouli took to his official Twitter account to mourn Ray's demise. He shared a picture with Ray and recalled working with him.
"Shocking... Just can't believe this news. Ray brought in so much energy and vibrancy with him to the sets. It was infectious. Working with him was pure joy. My prayers are with his family. May his soul rest in peace," Rajamouli tweeted.
The official Twitter handle of the movie RRR shared a behind-the-scenes picture from the sets in which Ray can be seen suspended mid-air while performing a stunt scene.
"He was 56 years old when we were shooting this difficult scene but he did not hesitate while performing this stunt. We will forever cherish having you on the sets of #RRR, Ray Stevenson. Gone too soon," the tweet read.
RRR actor Jr NTR also expressed shock over the demise of Ray.
"Shocked to hear about Ray Stevenson's passing. Gone too soon. It was a great experience working with him. May his soul rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and dear ones during this difficult time," he tweeted.
Ray made his film debut in Paul Greengrass's 1998 film 'The Theory of Flight'.
In 2004, he appeared in Antoine Fuqua's 'King Arthur' as a knight of the round table and several years later played the lead in the pre-Disney Marvel adaptation 'Punisher: War Zone'.
Though 'Punisher' was not the best-reviewed film, he'd get another taste of Marvel in the first three "Thor" films, in which he played Volstagg. Other prominent film roles included the 'Divergent' trilogy, 'G.I. Joe: Retaliation' and 'The Transporter: Refueled'.
Stevenson has three sons with Italian anthropologist Elisabetta Caraccia, who he met while working on 'Rome'.
