Actor Julien Arnold dies during performance of “A Christmas Carol” in Canada
Canadian actor Julien Arnold has died midway through a performance of “A Christmas Carol” after suffering a medical emergency.
It is not clear what caused Arnold’s death, but paramedics arrived at the Citadel Theater in Edmonton, Canada around 8:28 p.m., according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Paramedics performed resuscitation efforts, but Arnold died in theater.
Arnold, 60, played Marley and Mr. Fezziwig in the show, according to the CBC. The play is based on Charles Dickens’ novel of the same name.
The theater said in a statement on social media that Arnold was a “beloved actor and dear friend,” and a “beloved member of the Edmonton theater community.” Arnold was a founding member of the Free Will Players, the theater company that produces the annual Shakespeare festival, and had been a local theater organization for years, according to the CBC.
The Citadel Theater said all other performances of “A Christmas Carol” will be dedicated to her memory.
“Julien’s passing is a great loss to his family, friends, Carol company members, Citadel staff, and the Edmonton community he loved so much,” 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 changes to the show due to Arnold’s death, according to the CBC, and the audience will be affected by the theater.
A GoFundMe has been created to support Arnold’s family. It has raised nearly $42,000 as of Friday.
