Charles C. Stevenson Jr., the character actor beloved for his role as Smitty on the hit sitcom *Will & Grace*, has passed away at the age of 95. His son, Scott Stevenson, confirmed the news, marking the end of a life filled with unexpected turns and a late-blooming career.
Stevenson’s portrayal of Smitty graced twelve episodes of the long-running series, his final appearance occurring in February 2020 during the show’s eleventh season. Though a familiar face to many, his journey to acting was anything but conventional.
Remarkably, Stevenson didn’t pursue acting until he reached the age of 50. Prior to that, he was a student at UC Berkeley, studying English, and served his country during the Korean War as a member of the Navy.
His initial foray into the world of entertainment began in the 1960s, after relocating to Los Angeles. He didn’t immediately seek the spotlight, instead dedicating his time to public service announcements and community events, rubbing shoulders with Hollywood legends like James Stewart, Jack Lemmon, and Henry Winkler.
His first credited on-screen role arrived in 1982, a small part as a reporter on the television show *Voyagers!* – a quiet beginning to a career that would blossom decades later.
Stevenson often found himself cast in roles that played to a particular strength, frequently portraying figures of religious authority. His son Scott shared a charming anecdote about his father’s experience playing preachers, priests, and pastors.
According to Scott, his father wryly observed that his job consisted of “marrying or burying people.” Directors, facing the challenge of filling gaps in scenes between the ceremonial phrases, would consistently turn to Stevenson, relying on his improvisational skills to bridge the scripted moments.
“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,” Scott recounted. Stevenson, it seems, became remarkably adept at extending those pivotal moments, crafting a unique niche for himself within the industry.
Before *Will & Grace*, Stevenson also appeared in the 2008 Disney film *Snow Buddies*, taking on a significant role at the age of 76 – a testament to his enduring energy and passion for performing.
Charles C. Stevenson Jr. leaves behind a legacy not of early fame, but of a life embraced with curiosity and a willingness to pursue new passions, proving that it’s never too late to discover your calling.
