Charles C. Stevenson Jr., Beloved “Will & Grace” Bartender, Dies at 89
Fans of Will & Grace may remember him as the familiar face behind the bar, the charming Smitty who added warmth, humor, and steady presence to every scene. Now, veteran actor Charles C. Stevenson Jr. has passed away at the age of 89. His son confirmed that Stevenson died of natural causes on January 19 in Camarillo, California.
Will & Grace became a cultural phenomenon thanks to its razor-sharp writing, groundbreaking representation, and unforgettable characters. Among its ensemble of talent, Stevenson stood out, appearing in 12 episodes across seven seasons from 2002 to 2020. His final on-screen performance came in the season 11 episode Accidentally on Porpoise, filmed when he was 89, a testament to his dedication and enduring presence in Hollywood.
But Stevenson’s impact extended far beyond the iconic sitcom. He first appeared on screen in 1982 in an episode of Voyagers! and went on to amass an impressive portfolio of film and television roles. Moviegoers may recognize him from classics like The Naked Gun, Ed Wood, Men in Black, Pleasantville, and Ghost World. Television audiences saw him bring gravitas and charm to hits like 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.
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