Canadian actor Julian Arnold died during a performance of “A Christmas Carol” after suffering a medical emergency.
It’s not clear what caused Arnold’s death, but paramedics arrived at the Citadel Theater in Edmonton, Canada, at approximately 8:28 p.m. According to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Paramedics performed resuscitation attempts, but Arnold died in the operating room.
Arnold, 60, was playing Marley and Mr. Fezzwig in the play, according to CBC. The play is based on Charles Dickens’ novel of the same name.
Theater He said in a statement on social media that Arnold was “a beloved actor and dear friend” as well as “a cherished member of the Edmonton theatrical community.” Arnold was a founding member of Free Will Players, a theater company that produces the annual Shakespeare Festival, and has been a fixture in the city’s theater community for years, according to CBC.
The rest of the “A Christmas Carol” performance will be dedicated to his memory, the Citadel Theater said.
“Julian’s passing is a tremendous loss to his family, friends, fellow Carroll Company members, Citadel employees and the Edmonton community he loved so dearly,” the theater said. “His presence brought joy, heart and depth to every role, and his artistic contributions – and big hugs – will be sorely missed.”
There will be some changes to the show’s scheduling due to Arnold’s death, according to CBC, and the theater will be contacting audience members.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support Arnold’s family. It had raised about $42,000 as of Friday.