Owain Rhys Davies has died at 44, according to an Instagram post shared Sunday by his brother, Rhodri Davies. The Welsh actor was known to TV audiences for roles in “Twin Peaks: The Return” and “The OA,” and also built a long stage career in London’s West End.
Rhodri wrote that he and their father, Conway Davies, were sharing the news “with profound sadness,” calling the loss “devastating.”
What the family has said
In the Instagram statement, Rhodri said there are “still questions that remain unanswered regarding the circumstances of his death.” He added that the family understands Owain “passed suddenly, naturally, and peacefully.”
The family has not shared further details about the circumstances. Rhodri said more information, including funeral arrangements, would be provided “in due time,” and asked for privacy while the family processes the loss. A reasonable request, even in an internet age that treats boundaries as optional settings.
Rhodri also paid tribute to his brother’s relationships beyond his immediate family, writing that Owain had built “extraordinary, family-like bonds with many of his closest friends, colleagues, and loved ones.”
“I am incredibly proud that, while he was my brother, he was also a brother to so many others,” he wrote. “We know that this loss will be felt by a great many people, and we take comfort in knowing how loved he was.”
His television and film work
Davies was born on Feb. 20, 1982, in Cardiff, Wales. His screen credits included Agent Wilson in “Twin Peaks: The Return,” David Lynch and Mark Frost’s 2017 revival of the 1990s series.
He also appeared in “The OA,” the Netflix series starring Brit Marling and Jason Isaacs. His other film and television work included:
- “Alice Through the Looking Glass”
- “The Indian Doctor”
- “My Dead Ex”
- “A Serial Killer’s Guide to Life”
Davies had also recently finished filming what are believed to be his final two projects, “Jeff the Killer” and “La Fantasia,” both of which are in post-production.
A career that also ran through the West End
Alongside his screen work, Davies had a substantial stage résumé. He performed in London’s West End productions of “Mamma Mia!,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “By Jeeves.”
He also appeared in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” at London’s The Royal National Theatre.
In some of his recent Instagram posts, Davies had written enthusiastically about his work on the critically acclaimed play “The Opera Singer.”
Davies is survived by his brother, Rhodri, and his father, Conway. His mother died in May 2021.
