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Owain Rhys Davies, the Welsh actor best known for his role as FBI Agent Wilson in the 2017 revival of Twin Peaks, died on May 27, 2026, at age 44. His brother announced the unexpected death via Instagram on May 30, stating the actor passed “suddenly, naturally, and peacefully.”
Quick Facts
- Born February 20, 1982, in Cardiff, Wales
- Played FBI Agent Wilson in Twin Peaks: The Return (2017)
- Retired from acting in 2020
- Appeared in Alice Through the Looking Glass, The OA, and other film and television productions
A Career Spanning Stage and Screen
Davies grew up in St. Clears, Carmarthenshire, after his family relocated when he was nine years old. He trained at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and studied further at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. His career began on stage in 2003, appearing in the jukebox musical Mamma Mia! at London’s Prince Edward Theatre. Over the years, he performed in major West End productions including The Lion King, Grease, and Something Rotten!
His screen work began in 2006 with appearances in Welsh-language television. Davies guest-starred in shows including Netflix’s The OA and My Dead Ex, and appeared in films such as Disney’s Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016), Viking Siege, and A Serial Killer’s Guide to Life. He retired from acting in 2020 after appearing in the television film The Real Founding Fathers of America, where he played Alexander Hamilton.
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Twin Peaks and Working with David Lynch
Davies’ most prominent role came when he joined the cast of Twin Peaks: The Return, the 2017 revival of David Lynch’s cult classic series. In a 2017 BBC Cymru interview, Davies recalled the unique experience of auditioning for Lynch. “I met David Lynch on the set for the first time,” he said. “I was a little nervous when he came over, and for some reason when I’m nervous I turn into a stand up comedian and tell a lot of jokes! He held my hand and said ‘Shall we …?’ We had a little chat about the character and then we started filming.”
The casting process was unconventional. Davies auditioned seven months before learning he had secured the role. “I was in the car when my agent called,” he recalled. “I had the audition seven months earlier and I thought I didn’t get the part. I had to pull the car over and scream, everyone around me looked surprised, it was a very memorable day.” The delay was due to Lynch’s desire to keep the script and its mystery narrative confidential. Once confirmed, Davies was fitted for costumes on Wednesday and arrived on set Friday of the same week.
Legacy and Remembrance
Davies’ death prompted tributes from colleagues in the entertainment industry. Actress Joanne Froggatt paid tribute, stating: “No words seem to convey my emotions. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss and the grief you must be feeling. I am just 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.”
In his statement, Davies’ brother Rhodri emphasized the depth of the actor’s relationships beyond his family. “Owain was fortunate enough to have more than one family. Alongside his biological one, he 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.”
Sources
- Wikipedia — Biography, career timeline, and death date
- The Hollywood Reporter — Death announcement, family statement, career details, and David Lynch anecdote
