Owain Rhys Davies, the Welsh actor best known for his work in Twin Peaks, has died “suddenly” at the age of 44.
Davies’ passing was confirmed by his brother, Rhodri Davies, in an Instagram post. He said questions remain unanswered about the cause of death.
Davies’ screen acting credits date back to 2001, but he will be most familiar to audiences as Agent Wilson in three episodes of Twin Peaks: The Return.
The actor appeared in Netflix series The OA, while his other credits include the 2016 film Alice Through the Looking Glass and 2019’s A Serial Killer’s Guide to Life.
“It is with profound sadness that my father and I share the news that my brother, Owain, has passed away,” Rhodri Davies wrote.
“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.”
Downton Abbey star Joanne Froggatt was among those who paid tribute. “No words seem to convey my emotions. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss and the grief you must be feeling,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I am just devastated to lose our beautiful friend, he was more than a friend, he was joy, and life and talent and kindness and fun and intelligence, has was everything, and my brain can’t compute that we don’t get to hug him again.”
Rhodri Davies continued: “The reach of Owain’s love, friendship, and generosity was vast. The outpouring of messages we have received over the past few days has been deeply moving and a testament to the impact he had on so many lives.
“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. We know that this loss will be felt by a great many people, and we take comfort in knowing how loved he was.
“We will try and share further information in due course as we learn more and begin making arrangements. In the meantime, we kindly ask for some privacy as we come to terms with this devastating loss and support one another through the days ahead.”
