Ahsoka episode 1 offers a touching tribute to Ray Stevenson - "For our friend, Ray" - a dearly loved member of the cast who's missed by all.

This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 1.

Summary

• A touching tribute in Ahsoka episode 1 - "Four our friend, Ray" - honors the late Ray Stevenson, who sadly passed away in May 2023, and it's clear that he is dearly missed by the cast and crew.
• Ray Stevenson, known for his roles in Rome, Punisher, and Black Sails, had a strong connection with Star Wars and was brought on board for Ahsoka, appearing as the dark Jedi Baylan Skoll.
• Stevenson's death has deeply affected the entire cast and crew, with tributes pouring out on social media. The Ahsoka TV show opens with a heartfelt tribute to Stevenson, honoring his love for Star Wars and his contribution to the series.

Ahsoka episode 1 ends with the quote, "For our friend, Ray," which pays tribute to the late actor Ray Stevenson, who plays Baylan Skoll in the new Star Wars series. Star Wars has essentially served as the flagship franchise of Disney+, with The Mandalorian season 1 releasing as part of the streaming service's launch. The Ahsoka Disney+ TV show is the latest chapter in this story, featuring Rosario Dawson as the live-action Ahsoka Tano, but the cast has sadly been hit by tragedy after the death of one of their own.

Ahsoka episode 1 features a beautiful tribute message: "For our friend, Ray." It's a statement from the cast and crew in honor of the late Ray Stevenson, who sadly passed away in May 2023. Stevenson had been part of Ahsoka's cast, and he is clearly dearly missed.

Ray Stevenson Passed Away After Playing Baylan In Ahsoka

Best known for his roles in Rome, Punisher, and Black Sails, Ray Stevenson was no stranger to Star Wars. He voiced the Mandalorian Imperial leader Gar Saxon in Star Wars Rebels, and clearly built up a strong rapport with Lucasfilm's Dave Filoni. He was brought on board for Ahsoka, this time appearing in live-action as the dark Jedi Baylan Skoll. Sadly, Stevenson died on May 21, 2023, just four days before his 59th birthday. No cause of death has ever been revealed, although there have been reports he was hospitalized during filming of Casino in Ischia.

The Cast & Crew Loved Working With Ray Stevenson, Making This A Powerful Tribute

Stevenson was absolutely gushing about the experience, complimenting the cast and crew. "One of the things that was so overwhelming at first was the costumes are works of art," he excitedly told Entertainment Weekly. "And the set designs. You think, who designed this? And then you look at the set construction that is surrounding you — the technical and creative talent is quite breathtaking." He attended Star Wars Celebration 2023, and was energized and enthused by the experience.

Ray Stevenson's death has clearly come as a profound blow to the entire cast and crew of Ahsoka. Tributes to Stevenson poured out on social media after news of his passing broke, and the stars have frequently reflected back on their time with him, remembering him fondly. Ivanna Sackhno, whose character Shin is Baylan's apprentice, worked particularly closely with him and clearly misses him a great deal. It is fitting, then, that the Ahsoka Disney+ TV show opens with a poignant and emotional tribute to Stevenson, honoring a man who loved being part of Star Wars and getting a chance to swing a lightsaber in live-action.

Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6pm PT / 9pm ET on Disney+.