A theater actor reportedly died on Sunday during a production of “A Christmas Carol” in Canada.
Julien Arnold, a performer from the Alberta capital of Edmonton, died after experiencing a medical emergency Sunday night at the Citadel Theatre, according to multiple reports, including the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and the Edmonton Journal. He was 59, the Journal reported.
Alberta Health Services spokesperson Kerry Williamson said paramedics attempted to resuscitate Arnold at the theater but he died at the scene, CBC reported. A cause of death has not been shared.
In the play, Arnold played both Marley and Mr. Fezziwig, the production’s playbill showed.
Citadel Theatre’s Executive Director Jessie van Rijn and Artistic Director Daryl Cloran said there will be scheduling changes after Arnold’s tragic death, according to CBC.
Julien brought ‘charisma and talent’ to theater
The theater’s Instagram page posted a tribute to Julien calling him a “beloved actor, “dear friend” and “cherished member of the Edmonton theatre community.”
“Julien was a gifted performer whose charisma and talent graced our stage in countless productions, including ‘A Christmas Carol,'” the account wrote. “His presence brought joy, heart and depth to every role, and his artistic contributions – and big hugs – will be deeply missed.”
The remaining production this season will be dedicated to honoring Arnold’s legacy, the post states. The “Christmas Carol” play is set to run through Dec. 24 on Christmas Eve.
Who was Julien Arnold?
Arnold was a founding member of non-profit theater group Free Will Players, which is behind an annual Shakespeare festival, CBC reported.
The Edmonton native earned his bachelor of fine arts at the University of Alberta in 1989, where by 2006 he also graduated with a master of fine arts in directing, according to a profile by the Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia.
Throughout his career he played various theater roles including Feste in “Twelfth Night,” the Cowardly Lion in “The Wizard of Oz,” Cogwsorth in “Beauty and the Beast” and Bottom in “A Midsummer’s Night Dream.”
A GoFundMe page dedicated to Arnold’s wife Sheiny as well as funeral and other expenses has raised more than $42,000, as of Friday evening.