George Raymond Stevenson, famously known as Ray Stevenson, was a British actor who died on May 21, 2023. Stevenson was part of many big franchises including the Marvel Cinematic Universe and GI Joe. He played the role of Firefly in GI Joe: Retaliation. Along with him, WWE legend Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was also part of the movie. Dwayne played the role of Marvin F. Hinton / Roadblock.
Didn’t realize it when I put it on, but GI Joe Retaliation has Ray Stevenson. Forgot about that.
Damn#RIPRayStevenson pic.twitter.com/ErZpiXPkEz— J.P. (Retired11B) (@Nerdy11B) May 23, 2023
An interview where Stevenson talks about his fight scenes with Dwayne from 2013 has resurfaced. The two heavyweight actors had been swapping punches and Stevenson, at a point, believed he had broken Dwayne’s nose.
He said, “The worst moment was when we filmed the first big fight. I spun round and accidentally caught him right across the bridge of his nose. I drew blood and I was worried. But Dwayne just shrugged it off. He was great about it and just said, ‘These things happen.’”
Stevenson explained how such bumps and bruises were common ground for the action movie.
He said: “Dwayne and I went for it and we did clip each other a couple of times. His arms are the size of my thighs and, when he blocked my fist, it was like hitting an iron bar. I was black and blue with bruises.”
Stevenson, however, was also on the receiving end of a blow. He said: “We were in an arm lock and, as we broke apart, the gun that was between us smashed me on the nose. Dwayne smiled and said, ‘Touché’.”
i just found out that ray stevenson passed away. although it certainly wasn’t his best known role, he played firefly in the movie gi joe retaliation. rest in peace, ray. #RIPRayStevenson pic.twitter.com/wIVIV4R2Qg
— Blaster (@mkgijoestuff) May 23, 2023
It has been over a decade since the movie was released in March 2013. It received a great response at the Box Office as it earned great profits.
Ray Stevenson died at the age of 58 while filming a movie in Italy
Representatives of Stevenson announced his death and informed the world that he had died on Sunday, May 21, 2023. He was filming for a movie called ‘Cassino’ in Ischia, Italy. The Guardian states that it was an Italian newspaper called ‘La Repubblica’ that had broken the report that Stevenson was hospitalized with a sudden illness on the island of Ischia. It is believed that this illness led to his demise.
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. pic.twitter.com/HytFxHLyZD
— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) May 23, 2023
RRR director SS Rajamouli was among those who paid tribute to the actor. He 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.”
Stevenson, who was born in Northern Ireland, played the villainous British governor in RRR. He was Thor’s trusted companion Volstagg in the Thor films. Stevenson was also playing Dark Jedi Baylan Skoll in the upcoming Star Wars series Ahsoka. However, the actor died at the age of 58, just four days before his 59th birthday.
