A familiar face to television audiences, especially fans of the iconic sitcom Will & Grace, veteran actor Charles C. Stevenson Jr. has passed away at the age of 95.
Stevenson’s son confirmed that the longtime character actor died of natural causes on January 19 in Camarillo, California. His passing marks the end of a decades-long career that left a lasting imprint on American television and film.
A Beloved Presence on Will & Grace
Will & Grace became one of the most influential sitcoms in television history, praised for its sharp writing, groundbreaking LGBTQ+ representation, and memorable ensemble cast. Over its run, the show earned an impressive 83 Primetime Emmy nominations and cemented its place in pop culture.
Among the many recurring characters that helped bring the series to life was Stevenson, who portrayed the bartender Smitty. He appeared in 12 episodes across seven seasons between 2002 and 2020, becoming a recognizable and well-loved presence behind the bar.
His final appearance on the show aired on February 20, 2020, during season 11 in the episode Accidentally on Porpoise. At the time of filming, Stevenson was 89 years old.
A Career Spanning Film and Television
While Will & Grace introduced him to a new generation of viewers, Stevenson’s acting career extended far beyond the hit sitcom. He made his television debut in a 1982 episode of Voyagers! and went on to accumulate dozens of credits across both television and film.
His movie roles included appearances in well-known titles such as The Naked Gun, Ed Wood, Men in Black, Pleasantville, and Ghost World. On television, he guest-starred in a wide range of popular series, including Cheers, L.A. Law, Dynasty, Murder, She Wrote, Family Matters, Everybody Loves Raymond, Party of Five, The Office, Weeds, My Name Is Earl, Las Vegas, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Son Remembers His Father’s Humor and Craft
In an interview with Variety, Stevenson’s son Scott reflected on his father’s career and the unique roles he often played. Many of Stevenson’s characters were religious figures, a pattern he famously joked about.
“In his own words, his job was ‘marrying or burying people,’” Scott shared.
He recalled that directors would often rely on Stevenson to fill unscripted moments during ceremonial scenes. According to Scott, his father became especially skilled at improvising dialogue between the opening and closing lines of such scenes—an ability that made him a trusted and dependable performer.
A Life Beyond the Screen
Born and raised in Piedmont, California, Stevenson served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War before studying English at the University of California, Berkeley. He later pursued acting, building a steady and respected career in Hollywood.
He was married to Barbara Keller, with whom he had two children, and later to the late talent agent Joy Stevenson, with whom he had three more. At the time of his passing, he was survived by five children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
A Lasting Television Legacy
Charles C. Stevenson Jr.’s career exemplified the enduring value of character actors in television history—performers whose consistent presence helps define beloved shows and films. Though often in supporting roles, his work contributed to some of the most recognizable productions in modern entertainment.
His legacy lives on through decades of television and film, and through the many viewers who remember him fondly from one of TV’s most celebrated sitcoms.