A versatile presence on both the London stage and the surreal landscapes of prestige television, Owain Rhys Davies, the Welsh actor known for his role in 'Twin Peaks: The Return,' died on May 27, 2026, at the age of 44.

The moment Owain Rhys Davies stepped into the fractured, dreamlike world of David Lynch, he transitioned from a disciplined technician of the stage to a figure of international intrigue. As FBI Agent Wilson in the 2017 revival of Twin Peaks, he navigated the series' signature uncanny atmosphere across three episodes. This high-profile entry into prestige television was a departure from the bright lights of the West End, yet he carried with him a poise that suggested he was exactly where he belonged. The show's official account later offered a simple, poignant tribute: "Thank you for being a part of the world of Twin Peaks, Agent Wilson."

This ability to inhabit vastly different worlds was the hallmark of his career. Before he was an agent in a surrealist landscape, he was a Swing and Protean in the Royal National Theatre's production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. The role of a swing is perhaps the most demanding in theatre, requiring an actor to be ready to step into multiple roles at a moment's notice. It was a testament to his technical precision and his reputation as a connector within the industry. Whether he was covering the role of the Lion in The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium or portraying the eccentric Bingo Little in By Jeeves! at The Landor, he was known for a professional versatility that made him indispensable to any ensemble.

His journey to these stages was paved by a rigorous education that spanned continents. After earning his BA in Acting from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), he sought further refinement at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. Later, he immersed himself in the improvisational culture of Los Angeles at The Groundlings, as noted by WhatsOnStage. This global training allowed him to move seamlessly between the voice of a Delivery Frog in Disney's Alice Through the Looking Glass and the character of Chuck in the horror-satire A Serial Killer's Guide to Life.

Despite his international reach, his roots remained firmly planted in Wales. Born in Cardiff and raised in St Clears, he was a figure of immense cultural pride. The Welsh National Theatre, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, described him as a remarkable talent whose work enriched the nation's theatre and screen. His brother, Rhodri, observed that Owain's life was defined by the communities he built, stating that he was fortunate enough to have more than one family. Alongside his biological one, he built extraordinary, family-like bonds with colleagues and friends in every city he called home.

The reach of his generosity was described by his family as vast, a sentiment echoed by the outpouring of messages from the many lives he touched. He was a man who could understudy Pepper in Mamma Mia! or play multiple roles like Zazu and Timon in the touring production of The Lion King, all while maintaining a deep, personal connection to those around him. His brother noted that the news of his passing would come as a great shock to many, as reported by the Daily Express.

Owain Rhys Davies will be remembered as a performer who refused to be confined by a single medium or style. He was a bridge between the disciplined world of musical theatre and the experimental frontiers of modern television, a man who brought the same level of commitment to a Disney voice role as he did to a David Lynch set. His legacy lives on in the found families he created across Cardiff, London, and Los Angeles, and in the quiet, natural grace he brought to every character he inhabited. He is survived by his father, Conway Davies, and his brother, Rhodri Davies.