Owain Rhys Davies, the Welsh actor known to global audiences as Agent Wilson in David Lynch’s ‘Twin Peaks: The Return’, has died at 44. His brother Rhodri confirmed the news in an Instagram post.
Born in Cardiff, Davies built a career that moved easily between stage and screen and crossed continents. His London West End work ran through major productions including ‘Mamma Mia!’, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘By Jeeves’, and he appeared in ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’ at the Royal National Theatre. His stage credits stretched worldwide, taking in Disney’s ‘The Lion King’, ‘Something Rotten’, ‘Grease’, ‘Under Milk Wood’ and the UMPO Summer Blockbuster, which he also directed. He recently finished a sold-out run of ‘The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged’ at the International Theatre Salzburg.
On screen, his three episodes as Agent Wilson in Lynch’s acclaimed ‘Twin Peaks: The Return’ brought his widest recognition. His other television and film work included ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’, ‘The Indian Doctor’, ‘The OA’, ‘My Dead Ex’, ‘The Relationtrip’ and the feature ‘A Serial Killer’s Guide to Life’. He also lent his voice to Travis Beacham’s award-winning Audible series ‘Impact Winter’.
Tributes have poured in from those who knew him. Downton Abbey star Joanne Froggatt called him a beautiful friend who was joy and life and talent and kindness all at once, and said she was devastated by the loss. Rhodri Davies described the reach of his brother’s love and generosity as vast, noting the family-like bonds Owain built with friends and colleagues alongside his biological family.
The family has asked for privacy as they come to terms with the loss and said they will share further information as arrangements are made. Owain Rhys Davies is survived by his father and his brother, Rhodri.