A 59-year-old actor from Edmonton, who had notably played roles on stage for The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast and Richard III, reportedly lost his life on Sunday in the middle of a performance of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the sudden death of Julien Arnold, beloved actor and dear friend of the Citadel Theater […] Julien was a talented artist whose charisma and talent graced our stage in countless productions,” lamented the Edmonton Theater in a press release Tuesday, reported by the “Edmonton Journal.”
Last Sunday, the 59-year-old actor played the role of Mr. Fezziwig alongside Mr. Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Past in Charles Dickens’ play “A Christmas Carol” (or “A Christmas Carol” in French). when he collapsed on stage, according to local media.
Despite “rapid” treatment by health professionals present during the performance as well as emergency medical services, the fifty-year-old could not have been resuscitated, according to the establishment’s press release.
He was later pronounced dead in the operating room.
The cause of the actor’s death was not specified, while a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign would have been set up by the establishment to provide support to his wife, Sheiny Satanove, general director of the theater according to the ” Edmonton Journal.
As of Friday, $58,395 had already been raised in honor of the actor.
“His presence brought joy, heart and depth to every role, and his artistic contributions – and his big hugs – will be deeply missed,” the Citadel Theater continued in writing.
In the past, Julien Arnold had played roles in several other major shows, including The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and even Richard III and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, noted the local media.
