Veteran stage actor Julien Arnold has died at the age of 60 after suffering a medical emergency while performing at Edmonton's Citadel Theatre in Canada.
Arnold was playing multiple roles, including Marley and Mr Fezziwig, in a production of A Christmas Carol when he fell ill on November 24. Despite paramedics arriving at 8.28pm and multiple resuscitation attempts, he passed away at the theatre.
The Citadel Theatre released a moving tribute, describing Arnold as “a gifted performer” who was dearly loved by the community. This season's run of A Christmas Carol will be dedicated to his memory.
A spokesperson for the Citadel Theatre said: “Julien's passing is a profound loss to his family, friends, fellow Carol company members, Citadel staff and the Edmonton community he loved so dearly. His presence brought joy, heart and depth to every role, and his artistic contributions - and big hugs - will be deeply missed.
“Arnold was a respected figure in Canadian theatre, having graduated from the University of Alberta with both bachelor's and master's degrees in fine arts. He was also a founding member of Free Will Players, the company behind Edmonton's Freewill Shakespeare Festival.”
Festival artistic director David Horak said: “He just had the ability to create characters that had the biggest hearts in the world, and he was like that as well, as a person.”
The Punctuate Theatre, where Arnold's wife Sheiny Satanove serves as managing director, said he “was a cherished member of the Edmonton theatre community whose warmth, talent, and generosity touched so many lives he left us as he lived — immersed in his passion for theatre”.
The Citadel Theatre has modified its remaining performances to allow cast and crew time to mourn. A fundraising page to support Arnold's widow has already raised more than $55,350 Canadian dollars towards its $75,000 goal.
The cause of death has not yet been made public by officials.
