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The entertainment world is mourning the loss of a quintessential character actor whose presence provided the steady, quiet heartbeat of some of television’s most iconic scenes. Charles C. Stevenson Jr., perhaps best known to modern audiences as the unflappable bartender Smitty on the hit sitcom Will & Grace, has passed away at the age of 95. His son, Scott Stevenson, confirmed that the veteran performer died of natural causes on January 19 in Camarillo, California, marking the end of a prolific career that spanned nearly four decades and dozens of beloved projects.
Stevenson’s passing marks a poignant moment for fans of Will & Grace, a show that redefined the sitcom landscape with its sharp wit and groundbreaking representation. While the central quartet of Will, Grace, Jack, and Karen provided the high-energy comedy that earned the series 83 Primetime Emmy nominations, it was the supporting ensemble that grounded the show’s more eccentric moments. As Smitty, Stevenson appeared in 12 episodes across seven seasons, serving as the stoic, often silent witness to the chaotic lives and acerbic barbs of the main cast. He remained a part of the show’s legacy well into his later years, making his final appearance in the 2020 episode “Accidentally on Porpoise” at the age of 89.
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