Veteran stage actor Julian Arnold died suddenly on Sunday, November 24, midway through a show christmas carol, After suffering a medical emergency. He died after collapsing on stage during an evening performance of the theater production at the Citadel Theater in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, according to the theater.
The cause of death was not announced. He died at the theater “despite resuscitation attempts” by paramedics, according to an Alberta Health Services spokesperson, CBC News reported. He was 60 years old, the Edmonton Journal reported.
The theater announced Arnold's death in a statement on Instagram.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Julian Arnold, a beloved actor and dear friend of The Citadel Theatre. Julian was a cherished member of the Edmonton theater community and a gifted performer, whose charisma and talent graced our stage in countless productions, including A Christmas Carol “.
“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. His presence brought joy, heart and depth to every role, and his artistic contributions — and big hugs — will be sorely missed.”
The remaining performances of A Christmas Carol will be dedicated to the actor, who has also performed in productions, the theater said Wizard of Oz, beauty and the beast, midsummer night's dream, and Once.
Arnold played Marley and Mr. Fezziwig in christmas carol, According to the castle playbill.
Arnold grew up in Edmonton and graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1989. He earned a master's degree in directing from the school in 2006, according to his biography in the Encyclopedia of Canadian Theater.
He was a founding member of Free Will Players, a non-profit professional theater company that produces the Freewill Shakespeare Festival each summer in Edmonton, Alberta.
A fundraiser has been set up to help support his wife with costs “related to his death, including funeral costs, rent, groceries and time off work to grieve.”
