Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis leads tributes to Ray Stevenson

His ‘RRR’ director SS Rajamoul and ‘Rome’ co-star James Purefoy have also paid tribute

Jacob Stolworthy
Tuesday 23 May 2023 10:30 BST
Comments
RRR trailer

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis has led the tributes to actor Ray Stevenson, who has died aged 58.

The British actor, whose credits included HBO series Rome, Marvel’s Thor films and action film RRR, died on Sunday (21 May).

His publicist confirmed the news toVariety. A cause of death has not been disclosed.

Following the anouncement, many of Stevenson’s co-stars have paid tribute to the actor, including former child star Lewis, who starred alongside the actor in TV film Some Kind of Life.

“This is so sad,” Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter franchise, wrote on Twitter.

“Ray played my dad in the first thing I ever did on TV. Almost 30 years ago. A proper actor with a fascinating career and I couldn’t have dreamed of a better first experience in this ridiculous industry.”

James Purefoy, who starred alongside stevenson in Rome, wrote: “So sad to hear the news that Ray Stevenson, our Pullo in Rome, has passed away. A brilliant, gutsy, larger-than-life actor who filled every part he played right up to the brim.

“My thoughts are with his family, his lovely wife Betta and their beautiful kids. What a loss.”

Meanwhile, RRR director SS Rajamoul wrote: “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.”

Ray Stevenson in hit film ‘RRR
Ray Stevenson in hit film ‘RRR (Netflix)

Stevenson will posthumously appear in Disney Plus Star Wars spin-off Ahsoka. His role in the series was revealed at Star Wars Celebration earlier this year.

In response to Purefoy’s tribute, Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill posted a broken-heart emoji.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in