Veteran character actor Charles C. Stevenson Jr., best known to many fans as the warm, steady bartender Smitty on Will & Grace, has died at the age of 89. His son, Scott Stevenson, confirmed that he passed away of natural causes on January 19 in Camarillo, California.
Stevenson appeared in 12 episodes of Will & Grace across seven seasons between 2002 and 2020, becoming a quietly beloved presence behind the bar. Though never a central character, his calm humor and reliability helped ground the show’s fast-paced energy. His final appearance came in the season 11 episode “Accidentally on Porpoise,” filmed when he was already 89—an enduring testament to his dedication to acting.
Beyond the sitcom, Stevenson built a career spanning nearly four decades. He made his screen debut in 1982 and went on to appear in films such as The Naked Gun, Ed Wood, Men in Black, Pleasantville, and Ghost World. Television audiences also recognized him from guest roles on iconic series including Cheers, L.A. Law, Murder, She Wrote, Everybody Loves Raymond, The Office, Weeds, My Name Is Earl, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Born in Piedmont, California, Stevenson served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War before studying English at UC Berkeley and later pursuing acting. He is survived by five children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. While he may not have often taken center stage, Charles C. Stevenson Jr. leaves behind a legacy defined by consistency, warmth, and the kind of quiet professionalism that audiences remember long after the scene fades.
