Charles C. Stevenson Jr., a respected character actor whose steady presence appeared in television and film for many years, has passed away at the age of 95. His son confirmed that he died of natural causes on January 19 in Camarillo, California. Following the news, many fans reflected on his familiar face and the consistent professionalism he brought to a wide range of productions throughout his career.
Many viewers remember Stevenson for his recurring role as Smitty, the bartender on Will & Grace. He appeared in 12 episodes spanning seven seasons between 2002 and 2020, becoming a recognizable presence in the series. His final appearance aired in February 2020 in a season 11 episode filmed when he was 89 years old. The sitcom remains one of television’s most well-known comedies, appreciated for its performances and cultural impact.
Beyond that role, Stevenson built a diverse body of work after beginning his screen career in the early 1980s. His film credits included The Naked Gun, Ed Wood, Men in Black, Pleasantville, and Ghost World. Television audiences also saw him in series such as Cheers, L.A. Law, Dynasty, Murder, She Wrote, Everybody Loves Raymond, The Office, Weeds, My Name Is Earl, Las Vegas, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Frequently portraying authority figures or ceremonial officials, he became known for his reliability and understated presence.
Born in Piedmont, California, Stevenson served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War before studying English at the University of California, Berkeley, later pursuing acting professionally. His son shared that he often joked about being cast as ministers or officials, reflecting the dependable image he projected on screen. He is survived by five children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, leaving behind a lasting impression as a familiar and trusted character actor.
