Welsh actor and Twin Peaks star Owain Rhys Davies has died at age 44, his brother revealed in a heartbreaking statement. The star's family shared on 2 June that the actor passed away "suddenly, naturally, and peacefully".
Owain was best known for playing Agent Wilson in the 2017 revival series Twin Peaks: The Return, and had also appeared in Netflix's drama The OA and the 2016 film Alice Through The Looking Glass, which starred an A-list cast including Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, the late Alan Rickman, and Johnny Depp.
The actor's brother Rhodri wrote on Instagram: "It is with profound sadness that my father and I share the news that my brother, Owain, has passed away."
"This news will come as a great shock to many. While there are still questions that remain unanswered regarding the circumstances of his death, our understanding at this stage is that Owain passed suddenly, naturally, and peacefully," he shared.
The star's brother noted that the reach of Owain's "love, friendship, and generosity was vast" and said that they "take comfort in knowing how loved he was".
He continued: "Owain was fortunate enough to have more than one family. Alongside his biological one, he built extraordinary, family-like bonds with many of his closest friends, colleagues, and loved ones. I am incredibly proud that, while he was my brother, he was also a brother to so many others."
Remembered as a 'one of a kind soul'
Tributes for the star have begun to flood in on social media.
The Twin Peaks Instagram account shared condolences to the star's loved ones. "Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who knew and loved him," the tribute read. "Thank you for being a part of the world of Twin Peaks, Agent Wilson."
Meanwhile, the Welsh National Theatre said that Owain's work had "enriched Welsh theatre and screen", and remarked that his "passion, creativity, and dedication to his craft made a lasting impact on the cultural life of Wales".
Scottish actress Ruth Connell, best known for Supernatural, wrote that the loss was "beyond measure".
© Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan"There aren’t words to cover the life force that he was. Also diligent, thoughtful as well as just a glorious ray of Welsh sunshine whenever he turned up. Bounciest too. Literally back flipping his way across a stage when I first worked with him," she wrote in a lengthy tribute.
The actress also wrote in a comment beneath Rhodi's post that Owain was a "one of a kind soul" and an "incredible talent".
Oliver Award-nominated actor Michael D. Xavier remembered the late actor as "so talented, kind, thoughtful and the most sarcastic person I’ve ever known." He added: "To make him laugh was like striking gold!"
