A beloved figure in American television and film has passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy that spanned decades and touched multiple generations of viewers. The actor, known for his versatility and steady onscreen presence, died of natural causes at his home in Camarillo, California, on January 19.
Family members confirmed the passing and shared heartfelt reflections on the life and career of the late performer. His son emphasized the pride his father took in his work, noting that his roles often carried a sense of dignity and calm humor, whether he was portraying a figure of authority, a cleric, or a gentle presence in a comedy scene.
According to family, the actor viewed his profession with a mixture of seriousness and delight, particularly enjoying the subtle challenges of improvising in scenes that required careful timing. “In his own words, his job was ‘marrying or burying people,’” his son said in an interview with Variety. The description reflected the actor’s frequent casting as clergy in television and film, where he found small but memorable ways to make the roles resonate with audiences.
He was known for an unusual skill: filling in moments of silence with gestures, looks, and dialogue that brought life to the scene. “As he told it, the panic-stricken director would invariably come to him to beg him to find a way to fill in unscripted space between ‘We are gathered here together’—where he’d probably get his close-up—and the ‘amen’ at the end of the scene, where he usually wouldn’t,” his son recounted. Over time, he became proficient at bringing a natural and engaging presence to these moments.
The actor’s television appearances were numerous, and many of them occurred over the course of several decades. He was widely recognized for his work on a popular sitcom, where he appeared in multiple seasons as a recurring character, earning the affection of viewers for his understated performances and his ability to blend humor with sincerity. His final appearance on the series came during the 11th season, in an episode that aired in February 2020. At the time, he was 89 years old, proving that talent and dedication know no age.
Before achieving his more recognizable television roles, the actor had a long history of service and study. A veteran of the Korean War, he served in the United States Navy before pursuing higher education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned an English degree. This academic foundation later informed his work in fundraising and communications for organizations such as Project Hope and the Epilepsy Foundation, roles that allowed him to combine creativity with public service.
His move to Los Angeles in the 1960s marked the beginning of a professional journey that eventually led him to Hollywood. There, he collaborated with some of the industry’s most respected figures, including Henry Winkler, James Stewart, and Jack Lemmon, cultivating experience behind the camera and in professional endeavors outside of acting. This diverse background provided him with a unique perspective that he carried into every role.
Although he made his first credited television appearance in the early 1980s on a short-lived program, he continued to work steadily, often in small, uncredited parts on shows such as Cheers, L.A. Law, and Dynasty. Over time, he became a familiar face in television households, appearing in popular series throughout the 1990s, including Empty Nest, Sister, Sister, Murder, She Wrote, NewsRadio, Family Matters, Baywatch, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Party of Five. These appearances showcased his ability to adapt to different genres, from comedy to drama, and cemented his reputation as a reliable character actor.
The 2000s expanded his reach even further, with appearances on programs like The Office, Weeds, My Name Is Earl, Las Vegas, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. While his roles were often brief, they carried weight, providing key moments that enriched storylines and entertained viewers. In addition to television, he also maintained a presence in film, appearing in projects ranging from The Naked Gun to Ed Wood, Men in Black, Pleasantville, and Ghost World. His performances often brought warmth and nuance, elevating minor characters into memorable parts of cinematic history.
It was during this period that he joined the cast of a high-profile sitcom reboot, where he played a recurring role over several seasons. His character became beloved for the understated humor, subtle timing, and gentle presence that he brought to every scene. Fans praised his ability to balance comedic delivery with a sense of authenticity, allowing him to leave a lasting impression even in relatively short appearances.
The actor’s first major feature film role came relatively late in his career, in a family-friendly Disney production filmed in 2008. At the age of 76, he demonstrated that it is never too late to achieve professional milestones and that perseverance in the craft can yield new opportunities even decades into one’s career.
Beyond his professional achievements, the actor’s family life was a central focus. He was married twice, first to Barbara Keller, with whom he had two children, and later to his late agent, with whom he had three more. He is survived by five children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Family members described him as warm, patient, and dedicated, always finding time to support their endeavors while nurturing his career.
While he will be remembered by fans for his on-screen presence, colleagues and collaborators have emphasized the quiet impact he had behind the scenes. Co-stars frequently noted his generosity, patience, and ability to put others at ease on set. Directors and producers praised his work ethic and ability to bring professionalism and calm to hectic production environments.
In reflecting on his career, the actor’s son shared how his father approached his craft with a combination of discipline and creativity. Whether filling in lines on a sitcom scene, playing a minor yet essential character in a dramatic film, or contributing to philanthropic initiatives, he treated each opportunity with care and commitment.
Over nearly four decades, the actor built a career defined by reliability, adaptability, and the ability to make every role memorable. From the earliest television appearances to his later work on well-loved sitcoms, he displayed a remarkable consistency that few actors achieve. His contributions to both television and film left an indelible mark on audiences, colleagues, and the entertainment industry at large.
Fans of the sitcom reboot fondly recall his scenes alongside the main cast, where his timing and subtle humor often provided the perfect counterpoint to the lead characters’ antics. Behind every line he delivered, there was a sense of experience, care, and dedication that resonated with audiences of all ages.
Despite the passage of time, he remained connected to his craft, continuing to act into his late 80s. His commitment serves as a reminder that artistry and professionalism do not have an expiration date, and that dedication to one’s work can sustain a career across decades of changing tastes and trends in entertainment.
It was only midway through the discussion of his legacy that the public learned the actor’s name: Charles C. Stevenson. Best known for his portrayal of Smitty on Will & Grace, Stevenson appeared in 12 episodes across seven seasons from 2002 to 2020. He combined his trademark subtle humor with a reliable onscreen presence, earning him recognition and affection from both viewers and colleagues.
Stevenson’s approach to acting, particularly his ability to fill unscripted space in scenes, reflected his depth as a performer. Directors often relied on him to add texture to pivotal moments, and he excelled at the delicate art of improvisation. His performances, while sometimes small in scale, were essential to the rhythm and success of the episodes he participated in.
Outside of his professional life, Stevenson led a full and impactful personal life. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren remember him as a figure of wisdom, patience, and encouragement, always willing to share stories from his Navy service, his philanthropic work, and his time navigating Hollywood’s evolving landscape.
As the entertainment community reflects on his passing, tributes highlight his generosity, warmth, and quiet influence on generations of actors. His contributions extend beyond his screen appearances; he helped set standards for professionalism, collegiality, and integrity in an industry often marked by rapid change and volatility.
Stevenson’s legacy, both as a performer and a mentor, remains a testament to the enduring value of dedication, craft, and character. While he may have passed away peacefully, the impact of his work will continue to resonate with audiences and colleagues alike, offering a lasting reminder of a career well-lived.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
