Actor Julien Arnold has died after he suffered a medical emergency onstage while performing “A Christmas Carol” in Canada on Sunday.
The Canadian-born performer, 60, was midway through the production at Edmonton’s Citadel Theater when suddenly he collapsed.
Paramedics arrived on the scene at 8:28 p.m. and attempted to resuscitate the actor. Arnold died inside the theater, according to CBC News.
A cause of death has not been revealed.
Arnold had been playing the roles of Marley, Mr. Fezziwig, Banjo and a part of the ensemble in the festive production.
The Citadel Theater’s executive director, Jessie van Rijn, and artistic director, Daryl Cloran, told the outlet that Arnold will be “deeply missed.”
“His presence brought joy, heart and depth to every role, and his artistic contributions — and big hugs — will be deeply missed,” they said.
Arnold was remembered as a “cherished member of the Edmonton theater community.”
“Julien was a gifted performer whose charisma and talent graced our stage in countless productions, including ‘A Christmas Carol,’” the theater wrote in a statement on Instagram.
“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,” the statement concluded.
The Punctuate! Theater, where Arnold’s wife, Sheiny Satanove, serves as managing director, also paid heartfelt tribute on Instagram, saying the actor’s “warmth, talent, and generosity touched so many lives.”
Loved ones and fans raised nearly $40,000 to support Satanove following Arnold’s death.
The beloved actor grew up in Edmonton, and completed his studies at the University of Alberta, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1989.
He later earned a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the university in 2006.
During his acting career, Arnold was a founding member of Free Will Players — a company that produces the annual Freewill Shakespeare Festival in Edmonton.
Over the years, the actor starred in a slew of various productions, including “The Little Mermaid,” “Cocktails at Pam’s,” “The Ambassador’s Wives,” and “The Scent of Compulsion.”
