Charles C. Stevenson Jr., the veteran character actor best known for playing bartender Smitty on the hit NBC sitcom Will & Grace, has passed away at the age of 95.
Stevenson died of natural causes on January 19, 2026, in Camarillo, California. His son Scott confirmed the news to Variety.
A reliable supporting player for decades, Stevenson brought dry humor and warmth to his recurring role as Smitty, the easygoing bartender at Jack’s hangout spot.
He appeared in 12 episodes across the original run (starting in season 4 in 2002) and the 2017-2020 revival, often delivering deadpan lines that grounded the show’s wilder moments.
Stevenson Saw Success Later In Life
Born in 1930 in California, Stevenson grew up in Piedmont and served in the Navy during the Korean War. He studied English at UC Berkeley before entering acting later in life—he didn’t make his on-screen debut until age 50, in a 1982 episode of the sci-fi series ‘Voyagers!’
Charles C. Stevenson Jr. dead at 95: Actor famously starred on Will & Grace as Smitty the Bartender https://t.co/ZAVryYLrbb
— Daily Mail Australia (@DailyMailAU) February 6, 2026
From there, he built a steady resume of guest spots and small roles. Fans remember him from films like Ghost World (2001) and Men in Black, plus TV staples including The Office, Shameless, Glee, House, Gilmore Girls, The Middle, and more.
He was a go-to for ministers, judges, doctors, and everyday folks—his son once said his dad described the job as “marrying or burying people,” often improvising to fill awkward scene gaps when directors needed help.
A Mainstay On ‘Will & Grace’
On Will & Grace, Smitty was a quiet fixture in Jack McFarland’s world, offering a straight-man contrast to the chaos around him. The role showcased Stevenson’s knack for subtle timing in a show full of big personalities.
He kept working into his 80s, with his last Will & Grace appearance in the 2020 episode “Accidentally on Porpoise.”
Survived by his children—including sons Scott and William, daughter Catherine from his second marriage to the late agent Joy Stevenson, and others from his first marriage—Stevenson leaves behind a long list of credits and the gratitude of fans who appreciated his understated contributions to TV comedy.Hollywood lost a dependable pro. Rest in peace.
