The British actor Ray Stevenson died suddenly at age 58. No word on cause of death — he was hospitalized after a sudden illness while shooting a movie in Italy.
Stevenson delivered two iconic Frontier Partisan roles — as Roman Legionary Titus Pullo in HBO’s Rome and as Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard, in STARZ Black Sails. He had a knack for humanizing homicidal swashbucklers. His Teach was not only a fearsome pirate — he was a man who poignantly wished for a son. While he was not a main character, he was a massive presence.
The Season 3 cold open introduced Teach as a mighty menace…
Clan Cornelius first encountered Stevenson as Titus Pullo, hunting for a stolen Roman Eagle on the frontiers of Gaul. Pullo was a simple man, content to fight, gamble and fornicate — redeemed by his loyalty to his dour comrade Lucius Vorenus.
Somehow, Stevenson rendered these rough rogues lovable — perhaps because he carried more than a little of the lovable rogue in him.
I’d like to think there’s a rowdy party going down in Davy Jones’ Locker, with tumbling dice and willing women, all to welcome a swashbuckler whose voyage is done.
John Maddox Roberts says
He had so many great roles left in him and now we will never see them. He’s earned his place in Valhalla or wherever,.
Brian J English says
This was brutal news. Great actor. He was pitch perfect as Pullo.
RIP big man.
John Maddox Roberts says
I was really hoping to see him play Pete Bondurant in an adaptation of James Ellroy’s “Underworld USA” trilogy. I can think of no actor more suited to the role.
JimC says
Oh, man. Right on the money.
Aaron says
My favourite film of his is “Outpost” where he plays a war weary mercenary.