Owain Rhys Davies, the Welsh actor known for roles in Twin Peaks: The Return and The OA, has died at 44.
His family announced the news in a statement shared by his brother, Rhodri Davies, and father, Conway. The Independent reported that the family described his death as sudden and said there were still unanswered questions around the circumstances.
“Our understanding at this stage is that Owain passed suddenly, naturally, and peacefully,” Rhodri wrote, according to the family statement.
The family also asked for privacy while they make arrangements and process the loss.
His Family Said the News Came as a Shock
Rhodri said the news would come as a shock to many people who knew and loved the actor.
“The reach of Owain’s love, friendship, and generosity was vast,” the family statement said, according to The Independent.
The family said the messages they had received in recent days had been deeply moving and showed the impact Davies had on friends, colleagues, and loved ones.
Rhodri also described his brother as someone who had built more than one family through close friendships and creative work. He said Davies was not only his brother, but “a brother to so many others.”
Davies Played Agent Wilson in Twin Peaks: The Return
Davies played Agent Wilson in Twin Peaks: The Return, David Lynch and Mark Frost’s 2017 revival of the cult series.
The Irish News, citing PA, reported that he was best known for playing the FBI agent in the revival. The official Twin Peaks Instagram page also shared a tribute, sending thoughts to his family, friends, and those who knew and loved him.
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Davies also appeared in Netflix’s sci-fi drama The OA, which starred Brit Marling and Jason Isaacs. His other screen credits included Disney’s Alice Through the Looking Glass and the 2019 horror satire A Serial Killer’s Guide to Life.
He Also Worked Across the West End and Theatre
Davies’ career extended well beyond television.
Euronews reported that he was born in Cardiff, Wales, on Feb. 20, 1982, and worked at The Royal National Theatre. His stage credits included West End productions such as Mamma Mia! and The Wizard of Oz, along with productions of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Under Milk Wood.
The Independent reported that Davies studied at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and graduated in 2003. His first role was playing Pepper in Mamma Mia! at London’s Prince Edward Theatre.
Euronews also reported that Davies had completed filming on two final projects, Jeff the Killer and La Fantasia, which are both in post-production.
Friends and Colleagues Shared Tributes
Tributes began appearing after the family shared the news.
The Irish News reported that Welsh National Theatre called Davies a “remarkable talent” whose work enriched Welsh theatre and screen. The organization said his passion, creativity, and dedication had made a lasting impact on the cultural life of Wales.
The Independent also reported tributes from friends and colleagues, including writer Humphrey Ker and Downton Abbey actor Joanne Froggatt, who remembered Davies for his talent, kindness, and joy.
The family said more information would be shared in due course. For now, they have asked for privacy while they come to terms with the loss and support one another.