Canadian actor Julian Arnold has died after suffering an emergency during a performance of “A Christmas Carol.”
The cause of Arnold’s death is not clear, but the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation said paramedics arrived at the Citadel Theater in Edmonton, Canada, around 8:28 p.m. Paramedics tried to resuscitate him, but Arnold died in theater.
According to CBC, Arnold, 60, played the roles of Marley and Mr. Fezziwig in the movie. The play is based on Charles Dickens’ novel of the same name.
The theater released a statement on social media, calling Arnold a “beloved actor and dear friend” and “a valued member of the Edmonton theater community.” Arnold was a founding member of the theater company Free Will Players, which produces the annual Shakespeare Festival, and has long been an integral part of the city’s theater scene, according to CBC.
The Citadel Theater announced that the remaining performances of “A Christmas Carol” will be dedicated to his memory.
“Julian’s death is a great loss to his family, friends, fellow members of the Carroll Company, Citadel staff and the Edmonton community he loved dearly,” the theater said in a statement. “His presence brought joy, heart and depth to every role. His artistic contributions and big hugs will be sorely missed.”
According to CBC, there will be some changes to the show’s schedule due to Arnold’s death, and audiences will be contacted by the theater.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support Arnold’s family. As of Friday, they had raised about $42,000.
