The late actor Ray Stevenson, who plays the villain Baylan Skoll on the “Star Wars” series “Ahsoka,” received a touching tribute at the end of Episode 1, which premiered on Disney+ Tuesday night.
Stevenson died on May 21 on the Italian island Ischia at the age of 58, after production had wrapped on the series. Before the end credits on Episode 1 of “Ahsoka,” a screen reads, “For our friend, Ray.”
His “Ahsoka” character Baylan Skoll serves as one of the primary antagonists on the show. A Dark Jedi, Baylan survived Order 66 after escaping into deep space and is now a mercenary who wields an orange lightsaber. His apprentice is Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakkno) and they’re working together with Morgan Elspeth (Diana Lee Inosanto), a villain who was previously seen in “The Mandalorian” Season 2, to find Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen).
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When news of Stevenson’s death broke in May, “Ahsoka” lead actor Rosario Dawson posted a tribute to her co-star on Instagram: “Gone too soon from this world. At a loss for words… just wanted to mark this moment and share your ever ready and present smile. Love you forever. Holding your family in my heart. #LegendsNeverDie.”
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Sakhno also posted, “Ray… My heart is shattered and I can’t fathom you not being here. My dear friend. My Master. A giant with an even bigger heart. You understood the infinite. Your love for life, your partner Elisabetta and your 3 boys was unyielding. Knowing you in this lifetime had been one of the greatest gifts. I carry your light within me. Fly freely, Blackbird.”
“Ahsoka” was not Stevenson’s first foray into a galaxy far, far away. He voiced the character Gar Saxon, a Mandalorian commando, in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and “Star Wars Rebels.” His other acting credits included Marvel antihero Punisher in “Punisher: War Zone,” Asgardian hero Volstagg in the “Thor” movies, Sir Dagonet in “King Arthur,” Marcus Eaton in the “Divergent” movies, Blackbeard in “Black Sails” and Gov. Scott Buxton in “RRR.”
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