'Will & Grace' star Charles C. Stevenson Jr passes away: Details inside

Fans of Will & Grace are mourning the loss of beloved actor Charles C. Stevenson Jr, who has passed away at the age of 95. 

Stevenson, best known as Smitty the bartender on the hit sitcom, died last month of natural causes, his son Scott confirmed to Variety.

Charles only began his acting career at the ripe age of 76, landing his first role as a sheriff in Disney’s Snow Buddies. 

But what he lacked in years, he made up for in charm and versatility. 

Over the years, he became a familiar face on both the small and big screens, appearing in shows like Dr. House, Cheers, Family Matters, Gilmore Girls, and Scrubs.

Film fans may also recognise him from The Naked Gun, Ed Wood, Men in Black, and Pleasantville.

Scott shared a glimpse into his father’s witty approach to acting, recalling how Charles often played preachers, priests, and pastors. 

“In his own words, his job was ‘marrying or burying people,’” he said. 

“He got pretty good at filling in unscripted gaps between ‘We are gathered here together’ and the final ‘amen.’”

Stevenson first joined Will & Grace in its fourth season in 1998, returning for the series’ 2017–2020 revival, where he continued to delight audiences as the lovable Smitty.

He is survived by five children, Charles III, Valerie, Catherine, Scott, and William along with eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

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