Owain Rhys Davies, a Welsh actor known for his roles in cult television series such as Twin Peaks: The Return and The OA, has passed away at the age of 44. His family shared the news on Tuesday (2 June) through a heartfelt statement that described the deep sorrow they felt. The message read: “It is with profound sadness that my father and I share the news that my brother, Owain, has passed away. This news will come as a great shock to many. The reach of Owain’s love, friendship, and generosity was vast.”
Rhys Davies’ brother, Rhodri, mentioned that there were “questions” surrounding his brother’s death but clarified that the family believed he passed away suddenly, naturally, and peacefully. He added that the overwhelming support from friends and fans had been deeply moving and reflected the impact Owain had on so many lives.
Rhodri also highlighted that Owain had built strong, family-like relationships with many of his close friends, colleagues, and loved ones. He and their father, Conway, found comfort in knowing how much Owain was loved.
Owain Rhys Davies gained recognition for his role as Agent Wilson in Twin Peaks: The Return, the 2017 revival of David Lynch and Mark Frost’s iconic 1990s series. He also appeared in the Netflix sci-fi drama The OA, which starred Brit Marling and Jason Isaacs. Other notable credits include a role in the 2016 Disney film Alice Through the Looking Glass and the 2019 horror satire A Serial Killer’s Guide to Life.
He studied at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, graduating in 2003. His first major role was playing Pepper in Mamma Mia! at London’s Prince Edward Theatre.
Tributes have poured in from the entertainment community, with many expressing their grief and admiration for Owain. Humphrey Ker, a writer on SNL UK, shared a touching message on social media: “My friend Owain has died. Unexpectedly and most unwelcomely. He was a gentleman and a wally and a talent and a giver and maker of joy. I shall miss him very much. I shall, in the brilliant words of Jack Rooke: ‘Not let the injustice of what could have been override all the joy of what was.’”
This Way Up star Aisling Bea posted a series of photos of Owain on Instagram, captioning them: “Our beautiful friend Owain Rhys Davies has passed away. A big glittering Welsh ball of light and fun and high kicks and a million memories of our halcyon days roaming West Hollywood in our early thirties drinking and dreaming and dancing. A brilliant actor, dancer, friend and uncle. It is so terribly sad. He was and is so incredibly loved. Cysgu’n dda, cariad. xxx.”
Downton Abbey actor Joanne Froggatt expressed her devastation, writing: “I am 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. He was everything, and my brain can’t compute that we don’t get to hug him again. What I would give for one more hug. You’re forever in our hearts.”
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