RRR actor dies days before birthday, Rajamauli pens heartfelt note

Ten News Network

Mumbai (India), 23rd May 2023: Ray Stevenson, who played the wicked British governor in RRR, was remembered by director SS Rajamouli on Tuesday as someone who contributed “infectious” energy to the film’s sets.

Stevenson died on Sunday in Italy, four days before his 59th birthday, according to his publicist, who spoke to the entertainment website Variety. No information about the cause of death has been made public yet.

Rajamouli expressed his shock at the passing of the Irish actor in a Twitter message.

He wrote, “ 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.”

The Filmmaker also attached a behind the scenes image with Stevenson on the sets of RRR.

RRR’s official Twitter feed also published a behind-the-scenes photo of the late actor filming a vital action scene in the film. The caption the the photo read, “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”.

Stevenson had a glittering 25 year acting career and he played Volstagg, an Asgardian warrior in the Thor movie, and a member of the 13th Legion in the BBC/HBO drama series Rome.

Renowned director James Gunn said that, while he did not work extensively with Stevenson, he has pleasant recollections of working with him on Thor: The Dark World (2013) post-credits scenes.

He wrote on Twitter, “Damn. So sorry to hear about the passing, far too young, of Ray Stevenson. I only knew him a little from shooting post-credits of Thor 2 & a couple interactions at events, but we had some good laughs & he was a joy to work with. His friends & family are in my heart today.”