‘Twin Peaks: The Return’ Actor Dead at 44, Family Says Circumstances Remain Shrouded in Mystery

Welsh actor Owain Rhys Davies was the kind of performer whose work reached well beyond the size of a role. A stage-trained talent who spent years cutting his teeth at some of Britain’s most prestigious venues, Davies built a reputation as a deeply committed actor whose warmth and generosity left a lasting mark on everyone who worked with him.

His stage career included productions at the Royal National Theatre and London’s West End, credits that reflected both his classical training and his range as a performer. He was born in Cardiff, Wales, and raised in St Clears in Carmarthenshire, eventually building a body of work that spanned theatre, television, and film across multiple continents.

On screen, Davies appeared in the Netflix drama ‘The OA,’ the 2016 Disney film ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, and the 2019 horror film ‘A Serial Killer’s Guide to Life.’ Each project gave him the chance to demonstrate the kind of quiet, versatile presence that made casting directors take notice.

It was his role in ‘Twin Peaks: The Return,’ however, that earned him a place in the hearts of cult television fans worldwide. Davies played FBI Agent Wilson in the 2017 revival of David Lynch’s iconic series, appearing in three episodes alongside Lynch himself, who portrayed FBI deputy director Gordon Cole.

After filming wrapped, Davies shared his excitement on Instagram with a photo alongside Lynch, writing, “What a wondrously beautiful thrill ride it was working with this legend. Being welcomed in by the @twinpeaks family of cast and crew was truly an honour.” When Lynch passed away in January 2025, Davies was among those who paid an emotional public tribute to the director.

The news of Davies’s own death broke over the weekend of May 31, when his brother Rhodri confirmed it in an Instagram post shared with their father. Rhodri wrote, “It is with profound sadness that my father and I share the news that my brother, Owain, has passed away,” adding that while the death came as a great shock, “our understanding at this stage is that Owain passed suddenly, naturally and peacefully.”

Crucially, the statement did not close the door on uncertainty. Rhodri noted that “there are still questions that remain unanswered regarding the circumstances of his death,” a phrase that has drawn widespread attention and left fans and colleagues searching for answers.

The official ‘Twin Peaks’ fan account paid tribute to Davies online, sharing a photo of him with Lynch on set and writing, “Thank you for being a part of the world of Twin Peaks, Agent Wilson.” The Welsh National Theatre also released a statement, describing themselves as “deeply saddened” by the loss and remembering Davies as a remarkable talent.

Rhodri’s statement concluded with a reflection on the scale of his brother’s impact, noting that “the reach of Owain’s love, friendship and generosity was vast” and that the outpouring of messages received in the days since his passing had been “deeply moving and a testament to the impact he had on so many lives.” He added that he was “incredibly proud” not only that Owain was his brother, but that Owain had been “a brother to so many others.”

Davies was 44 years old. For a performer who gave so much of himself to every stage and screen he touched, his absence will be felt across the industry and among the dedicated communities of fans who discovered him through ‘Twin Peaks’ and ‘The OA.’ If you were lucky enough to see him perform or have your own memories of his work, share them in the comments and help keep Agent Wilson’s legacy alive.