He became a familiar face behind the bar on Will & Grace, quietly anchoring scenes with warmth and wit. Now, veteran character actor Charles C. Stevenson Jr. has passed away at 89.
His son, Scott Stevenson, confirmed that he died of natural causes on January 19 in Camarillo, California.
For many fans, Will & Grace remains one of the most influential sitcoms of its era. With razor-sharp writing, bold representation, and electric chemistry between its core cast, the series earned an astonishing 83 Primetime Emmy nominations over its run.
Among the many talented actors who brought the show to life was Stevenson, who portrayed the affable bartender Smitty. Though never a central character, Smitty became a comforting and recognizable presence — the steady figure behind the bar who helped ground the chaos unfolding around him.
Charles C. Stevenson Jr. and Megan Mullally perform onstage during the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 27, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Stevenson appeared in 12 episodes of Will & Grace across seven seasons between 2002 and 2020. His final appearance came in the season 11 episode “Accidentally on Porpoise,” which aired on February 20, 2020. He was 89 years old at the time of filming — a testament to both his longevity and his enduring passion for the craft.
But his career stretched far beyond one beloved sitcom.
A true working actor, Stevenson built an extensive résumé spanning nearly four decades. He made his on-screen debut in 1982 in an episode of Voyagers!, launching what would become a steady and respected career in television and film.
On the big screen, he appeared in a range of well-known titles, including The Naked Gun, Ed Wood, Men in Black, Pleasantville, and Ghost World. His roles were often supporting, but he brought a quiet reliability that directors clearly valued.
Television audiences may also recognize him from guest appearances on iconic series such as Cheers, L.A. Law, Dynasty, Murder, She Wrote, Family Matters, Everybody Loves Raymond, The Office, Weeds, My Name Is Earl, Las Vegas, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
It’s the kind of filmography that defines a veteran character actor — someone who may not headline posters, but whose presence adds texture and credibility to nearly every project.
In an interview with Variety, his son Scott shared a glimpse into Stevenson’s self-awareness and humor about his career. Because he frequently portrayed clergy or officiants, Stevenson would joke that his job was simply “marrying or burying people.”
Scott elaborated:
“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).”
“Stevenson admitted that he got pretty good at that.”
It’s a charming image — a seasoned actor trusted to carry a moment when a scene needed steadiness and improvisational skill.
Born and raised in Piedmont, California, Stevenson first served his country in the Navy during the Korean War. Afterward, he studied English at UC Berkeley before pursuing acting — a path that would eventually lead him to stages, sets, and screens across Hollywood.
He was married to Barbara Keller, with whom he had two children, Charles III and Valerie. He was also married to the late agent Joy Stevenson, and together they had three sons: Catherine, Scott, and William.
Stevenson is survived by five children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
While he may not have always been the star of the show, Charles C. Stevenson Jr. embodied the kind of steady professionalism that keeps the entertainment industry running. For fans of Will & Grace and countless other series, he will remain that familiar, comforting presence — the face you recognize, even if you don’t immediately remember where from.
And sometimes, that kind of legacy speaks volumes.