Highlights
Fans bid farewell to the live-action series "Star Wars: Ahsoka" and actor Ray Stevenson, who passed away after filming his role as Baylan Skoll.
Stevenson played the character Skoll in the movie, a former Jedi who left the Jedi Order after Order 66. This role was one of his final onscreen appearances, and his absence was deeply felt by many, including his co-star Ivanna Sakhno.
The other members of the cast shared heartfelt tributes to Stevenson, recognizing his influence on the set and his remarkable acting career, which encompassed notable roles in television shows such as "Rome" and "Dexter." Stevenson's performances made him a prominent figure in Hollywood, and his loss will be profoundly mourned.
With the finale of Star Wars: Ahsoka now available on Disney Plus, fans bid farewell to the live-action series and the late Ray Stevenson, who passed away after completing his role as Baylan Skoll.
In Ahsoka, Stevenson brings to life the character of Skoll, who was once a self-proclaimed Jedi but now holds a different perspective on the order. Following Order 66 and the downfall of the Empire, Skoll disassociated himself from the Jedi Order, which had evolved into a cult-like institution while they were still striving to maintain peace in the galaxy. Skoll's portrayal in Ahsoka marks one of Stevenson's final onscreen performances, a loss deeply felt by many, including his co-star Ivanna Sakhno. Sakhno, who plays Skoll's apprentice Shin Hati, expressed her farewell after the conclusion of Ahsoka.
Sakhno expressed her dedication to her friend Ray on Instagram, referring to herself as his eternal Wolf. She shared a picture of the Norse wolves, Skoll and Hati, known for being inspirations for the master and apprentice. In Norse mythology, these characters are portrayed as chasing the sun and the moon across the sky with the intention of consuming them. Similarly, in Ahsoka, Skoll and Hati are rarely apart as they pursue Thrawn and Ezra Bridger into an unknown galaxy.
After the post, other cast members paid their respects in a heartfelt manner. Rosario Dawson expressed her gratitude to Ray, highlighting how he deepened and enriched every moment, and will forever serve as an inspiration. Diana Lee Inosanto, who portrayed Morgan Elsbeth, dedicated her words to Ray as well, calling him "Poetry in Motion" and invoking the idea of always remembering him when gazing at the stars. This is not the first tribute shared by cast members after Stevenson's passing. Sakhno previously posted on her Instagram following the news of his death, mentioning how she carries his light within her and allowing him to fly freely like a blackbird.
Stevenson's impact on the set was felt by everyone he interacted with. With his incredible acting ability, he established himself as a titan in the entertainment industry, taking on iconic roles in the mid-aughts. One of his notable performances was as Titus Pullo in HBO's critically acclaimed yet short-lived drama, Rome. Since then, he has been involved in various productions of different scales, ranging from Denzel Washington's Book of Eli to portraying one of Dexter's most memorable villains in the Showtime series. In Dexter, Stevenson brought significant depth to a character whose main focus was seeking justice for his deceased lover. Although not a traditional heavy-weight serial killer, the character held a personal vendetta against Dexter (Michael C. Hall) as the leader of the Ukranian mob. Stevenson's nuanced portrayals made him a standout in Hollywood, and his absence will be deeply felt, as his co-stars have shown.
You can now stream Star Wars: Ahsoka season 1 on Disney Plus.
Source: Ivanna Sakhno/Instagram