New Delhi: Irish actor Ray Stevenson, who played the evil British Raj governor of Delhi in 'RRR', died on Sunday. He was 58.
He is also popularly known for his role as Volstagg in the Thor films, and a main antagonist in the upcoming Star Wars series Ahsoka.
Director S.S. Rajamouli penned a heartfelt note as a tribute to Stevenson expressing his grief about how the latter was a much-loved man on the sets.
''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”, tweeted the RRR maker.
The official social media handle of RRR also confirmed the news and wrote, ''What shocking news for all of us on the team! Rest in peace, Ray Stevenson. You will stay in our hearts forever, SIR SCOTT.''
No cause of death has been revealed. But Stevenson was reportedly hospitalised during filming on the Italian island Ischia, reports the BBC. His death was announced four days before his 59th birthday.
The actor was born in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, in 1964 and moved to England when he was eight years old. According to Variety, Mr Stevenson, began his career appearing on TV shows in the 1990s and then landed action roles in Hollywood films starting in the 2000s.
His first big-screen credit was opposite Helena Bonham Carter and Kenneth Branagh in Paul Greengrass' 1998 drama The Theory of Flight.
His first major film role came in Antoine Fuqua's 2004 adventure movie 'King Arthur', where he played Dagonet, one of the Knights of the Round Table. In the film, his character sacrifices himself in battle to help Arthur (Clive Owen) and his brotherhood of warriors, reports 'Variety'
His best-known role was Volstagg in Marvel's 'Thor' franchise.
Before his death, Stevenson starred in the upcoming action-adventure limited series, 'Ahsoka', a spin-off of 'The Mandalorian' from the Star Wars franchise. He played Baylan Skoll, a former Jedi who survived Order 66 by fleeing into the Unknown Regions. He is a master to Shin and ally to Thrawn. This was to be his last role.
His other popular roles were in Lexi Alexander's 'Punisher: War Zone', the Hughes Brothers' 'The Book of Eli', and Adam McKay's 'The Other Guys'. He also did voice work in Star Wars Rebels and The Clone Wars, as Gar Saxon.
According to the Guardian, Stevenson has three sons with the Italian anthropologist Elisabetta Caraccia, who he met while working in Rome.