A cause of death has not been made public, although the BBC reported that the Northern Irish actor was hospitalised during filming of the action movie “Cassino in Ischia” in Italy.

His death was announced four days before he would have turned 59.

Stevenson appeared in numerous television shows and films throughout the 1990s and early 2000s before starring in HBO’s historical drama “Rome”. More recent credits include playing Blackbeard in the pirate drama “Black Sails”, and voicing Mandalorian commander Gar Saxon in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”.

Stevenson was known among superhero fans for portraying the Asgardian warrior Volstagg in the “Thor” franchise. Other credits include the “Divergent” trilogy and “The Three Musketeers” (2011).

Among his final credits are the critically acclaimed Telugu-language film “RRR” – winner of this year’s Oscar for Best Original Song – in which he played the villainous British governor Scott Buxton; as well as a role in the upcoming “Star Wars” series “Ahsoka”, slated for release in August on Disney+.

Following the news of his passing, Stevenson’s co-stars and former colleagues have been paying tribute to the actor on social media, with the likes of Rosario Dawson – who will appear in “Ahsoka” – saying he was a “giant of a man” whose death left her “stunned and reeling”.

Bear McCreary, composer of “Black Sails”, commended Stevenson’s “mesmerisingly unforgettable” turn as Blackbeard in the series, while director James Gunn, who was involved in the production of the second “Thor” film, wrote that the late actor had been a “joy to work with”.

“RRR” director SS Rajamouli, too, saluted his colleague, saying: “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.”