Following the death of Ray Stevenson yesterday, many people within the star wars community shared memories and stories of the beloved actor. Stevenson was a leading actor in star wars having voiced the character of Gar Saxon and portrayed Baylan Skoll in the upcoming Ahsoka series.
Ray once shared that “learning to wield a lightsaber is the best feeling in the world.”
He did it well.— Star Wars (@starwars) May 23, 2023
On social networks and on the official website star wars website, an official statement has been released regarding the death of Ray Stevenson, including comments from Ahsoka creator Dave Filoni. The statement is provided below:
We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of our dear friend Ray Stevenson. Ray was an incredible combination of talent, warmth, humor and heart.
We were fortunate to have Ray join the star wars galaxy like Gar Saxon in star wars rebels then more recently as Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka. His ability to play a villain, while being such a kind and caring person in reality, is a testament to his incredible talent.
“We have lost a great talent and a friend in the person of Ray Stevenson,” said Dave Filoni, creator and executive producer of the upcoming Ahsoka series and executive creative director for Lucasfilm. “His kindness and generosity were felt by our entire team on Ahsoka. I have always looked forward to working with Ray, and appreciated his insight and day-to-day wisdom. I am happy that his memory lives on through his family, his friends and the many characters he created. Thank you Ray, for everything.
Ray was loved and respected by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
Along with the official statement, many of Stevenson’s co-stars and crew members on the Ahsoka the series also took to social media to share their thoughts and condolences. Rosario Dawson, who plays the main character in Ahsoka, shared words on Twitter about Stevenson, calling him a “ray of light”.
Sharing sorrow with you all. What a ray of light. I called the cast/crew and the rest of my family to say how much I love them. Let this remind you to love yours in real time while you can. Ray was so lively and incredibly present and dynamic. He really lived!!! https://t.co/Y95SrdeWQ8
— Rosario Dawson (@rosariodawson) May 22, 2023
And on Instagram, Dawson shared another personal photo of Stevenson and herself, calling Stevenson, “a giant man.”
On the Kiner Music Twitter account, composers working on the Ahsoka The TV series applauded Stevenson’s performance on the show, calling it “haunting” and “with a gravity that stunned us all”.
Punch this morning learning that Ray Stevenson died. Her truly haunting performance in Ahsoka has a gravitas that stunned us all. A great loss of a veteran artist and the craft is poorer for his absence. pic.twitter.com/cuFHcg2fmu
— Kiner Music 🏳️⚧️ (@KinerMusic) May 22, 2023
Diana Lee Inosanto, the actress behind Morgan Elsbeth of The Mandalorian And Ahsoka, paid tribute to him on Twitter, saying, “Ray you were always an incredible force!”
I am heartbroken and devastated to lose an incredible friend, colleague and mentor. Ray Stevenson was a thoughtful and passionate human being, a devoted and loved family man, and he loved his fans dearly. Ray you have always been an incredible force! You will be deeply missed by many. https://t.co/9zjRX4mCVD
— Diana Lee Inosanto (@TheRealDLI) May 23, 2023
Ivanna Sakhno who plays Shin Hati, Baylan Skoll’s apprentice in Ahsokaposted photos on Instagram of her, Stevenson and Inosanto while working together.
And finally, Natasha Liu Bordizzo responded to Dawson’s Instagram post regarding Stevenson, sharing even more sentiments about their time working on set.
Ray Stevenson has completed filming Ahsoka before his death and will appear in the television series which will air this year on Disney Plus.
We here at Star Wars News Net would also like to continue to express our thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of Ray Stevenson during this time.
