Veteran character actor Charles C. Stevenson Jr., best known to many as the warm and witty bartender Smitty on Will & Grace, has died at 89. His son, Scott Stevenson, confirmed he passed away of natural causes on January 19 in Camarillo, California. Will & Grace remains one of television’s most influential sitcoms, earning 83 Primetime Emmy nominations. Stevenson appeared in 12 episodes across seven seasons from 2002 to 2020, with his final role in the season 11 episode “Accidentally on Porpoise.”
Though never a central character, his steady presence behind the bar became a comforting part of the show’s world. His career extended far beyond one series. Stevenson worked consistently for nearly four decades, making his screen debut in 1982 on Voyagers!. He later appeared in films such as The Naked Gun, Ed Wood, Men in Black, Pleasantville, and Ghost World, often in supporting roles that showcased his quiet reliability.
Television viewers also saw him in 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.
Known for his humor, Stevenson joked that he often played clergy, “marrying or burying people,” and was trusted to steady scenes when needed. Born in Piedmont, California, he served in the Navy during the Korean War and later studied English at UC Berkeley before pursuing acting. He is survived by five children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of steady professionalism and memorable performances.