Beloved actor dies during performance of A Christmas Carol
Canada's theatre community is mourning the sudden loss of veteran stage actor Julien Arnold, who collapsed and died on stage during a performance of A Christmas Carol at Edmonton's Citadel Theatre on Sunday. He suffered a medical emergency in front of a shocked audience and was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Arnold, a cherished figure in Edmonton's theatre scene, was known for his magnetic performances and decades of contributions to the arts. The Citadel Theatre, where he performed numerous times throughout his career, issued a heartfelt statement:
“Julien’s passing is a profound loss to his family, friends, fellow Carol company members, Citadel staff, 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 deeply missed.”
Arnold was performing dual roles as Marley and Mr Fezziwig in this season's run of A Christmas Carol, which the theatre has now dedicated to his memory. His stage credits also included playing Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol (2009), The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz (2009), Cogsworth in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (2010), and Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2012).
Friend and audience member Lianna Makuch described Arnold as “a generous and magnetic performer – a true artist deeply cherished by the theatre community he loved so much.”
The Theatre Network echoed these sentiments, noting that Arnold’s legacy “will live on through the stories he told, the lives he touched, and the community he inspired. He will be deeply missed.”
In addition to his artistic legacy, a fundraiser has been launched to support his wife, Sheiny, with funeral expenses, daily living costs and time to grieve.
Arnold’s sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of his colleagues, friends, and the wider Edmonton community. His talent, warmth, and dedication to his craft will be remembered as a cornerstone of Edmonton’s vibrant theatre scene.
Images: Citadel Theatre