Actor Julien Arnold dies on stage while performing A Christmas Carol

Performer ‘died doing what he loved most’

(The Citadel Theatre)

Actor Julien Arnold has died while performing A Christmas Carol on stage.

Arnold, 60, suffered a medical emergency while the play was taking place at Citadel Theatre in Edmonton, Canada on 24 November. He was playing Marley, Mr Fezziwig and Banjo in a production of the Charles Dickens classic.

According to reports, emergency services arrived at the premises around 8.28pm but, despite multiple resuscitation attempts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A cause of death is yet to be revealed.

“It is with heavy hearts we share the news of the sudden passing of Julien Arnold, a beloved actor and dear friend of the Citadel Theatre,” the company announced in a statement.

“A cherished member of the Edmonton theatre community, Julien was a gifted performer whose charisma and talent graced our stage in countless productions, including A Christmas Carol. 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.”

It continued: “His presence brought joy, heart and depth to every role, and his artistic contributions - and big hugs - will be deeply missed. In his honor, this season’s run of A Christmas Carol is dedicated to his memory. We kindly ask for respect for his family’s privacy during this difficult time. Your love, support, and well wishes are deeply appreciated.”

A GoFundMe campaign was launched in support of his wife Sheiny Satanove, who is the managing director of The Punctuate Theatre.

Arnold is said to have died ‘doing what he loved most’ (The Citadel Theatre)

The page aims to raise $75,000 (£42,000) to assist Satanove with “costs related to his passing, including funeral costs, rent, groceries, and time off work to grieve.” It reads: “A cherished member of the Edmonton theatre community, Julien left us doing what he loved most.” Over $55,000 (£31,000) has been raised so far.

Satanove’s Punctuate Theatre also paid tribute to the star in a statement that read, “Julien was a cherished member of the Edmonton theatre community whose warmth, talent, and generosity touched so many lives he left us ‘as he lived — immersed in his passion for theatre.”

According to IMDB, Arnold’s other credits include the TV series Mentors (1998) and the movie White Coats (2005).