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.
