The posthumous performance of Ray Stevenson in the Star Wars series Ahsoka is garnering well-deserved praise, despite his character’s limited dialogue in the series. Stevenson’s portrayal of the force-sensitive character Baylan Skoll relies heavily on subtle facial expressions and the skillful emphasis of certain words with particular emotions, compensating for the constraints of his character’s script.
However, the viewing experience is tinged with sadness as earlier this year, Stevenson tragically passed away just days before his 59th birthday. His sudden demise occurred while filming the movie Cassino in Italy in May 2023, when he experienced severe chest pains that ultimately led to his passing. The exact cause of death remains undisclosed.
Among Stevenson’s notable roles was his portrayal of the infamous pirate Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, in the acclaimed Starz series Black Sails.
In Black Sails, Teach’s return is motivated not by vengeance against his former comrade Charles Vane, but rather by a paternal sentiment towards him. Stevenson’s nuanced performance captures Teach’s complex emotions, depicting him as a fearsome yet compassionate character. This role likely served as a precursor to his portrayal of Baylan Skoll, another character with intricate emotions and a formidable presence.
Stevenson’s versatility as an actor is further exemplified by his portrayal of Porthos in the 2011 film The Three Musketeers, a departure from the traditional depiction of the character in Alexandre Dumas’ literary classic. His ability to embody both swashbuckling adventurers and layered characters with emotional depth highlights his range as an actor.
In a poignant scene from Black Sails, Teach reveals his underlying motivation for forgiving Vane, alluding to his own mortality due to a lingering injury sustained in his youth. Stevenson delivers the lines with a natural poignancy, serving as a chilling reminder of his untimely passing.
While Stevenson may have departed from this world, his impactful performances endure, leaving behind a legacy of memorable characters and scenes. Just as his character Baylan Skoll embarks on a journey to another galaxy in Ahsoka, perhaps we are all destined for a similar voyage.
As a testament to Stevenson’s talent, Black Sails is now available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers the opportunity to appreciate his remarkable performance in this captivating series.
