Ray Stevenson, the Star Wars actor who died this past May, received a touching tribute during the first episode premiere of the new series Ahsoka. The actor, who passed away after filming wrapped on the series, died in Italy on May 21st, 2023. To honor his passing, when the episode had concluded, the screen read “For our friend, Ray.” before the credits began to roll.
Stevenson played an evil force-user in the new series. His role of Baylan Skoll is a Jedi turned to the dark side who had survived the deadly Order 66. After hiding out at the edges of the galaxy he has returned, wielding his orange Lightsaber. He now travels with his apprentice Shin Hati, played by Ivanna Sakhno (The Spy Who Dumped Me, Pacific Rim Uprising) and Morgan Elspeth, played by Diana Lee Inosanto (The Vault, The Prodigy), who was previously seen in the Mandalorian 2. These three antagonists are embarking on their journey in order to find the Grand Admiral Thrawn played by Lars Mikkelsen (The Day Will Come).
When Stevenson’s passing was announced, his co-star Rosario Dawson (The Mandalorian, Rent, Clerks II) took to social media and posted a tribute to him. In an Instagram post, she wrote “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. #LegendsNeverDie.”
His past roles in the Star Wars saga include voicing Gar Saxon, in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. Outside of the Star Wars franchise, he also played Gov. Scott Buxton in RRR, Punisher in Punisher: War Zone, Volstagg in the Thor movies, and Marcus Eaton in the Divergent movies.
No official cause of death has been revealed. He passed away just a few days short of his 59th birthday. Stevenson passed away during the filming of Cassino in Ischia.