The theater community is devastated by the loss of Canadian actor Julien Arnold, who tragically passed away during a performance of A Christmas Carol at Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre. Arnold, the founder of Free Will Players theater company, suffered a medical emergency during the show and despite efforts from paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the location. He was 60 years old.
Although the details of his medical issue have not been disclosed, the Alberta Health Services spokesperson, Kerry Williamson, confirmed the incident and the unsuccessful resuscitation attempts made by the paramedics. Arnold, who portrayed multiple roles in the production, including Marley and Mr. Fezziwig, had a long and successful career in theater. He was known for his performances in various plays such as The Taming of the Shrew, The Wizard of Oz, Twelfth Night, and Sense and Sensibility.
In response to his untimely passing, Citadel Theatre announced that they would be making adjustments to the remaining performances of A Christmas Carol to give the cast and crew time to mourn and process the loss of their colleague. Arnold, who had roots in Edmonton and had studied at the University of Alberta, was a beloved member of the acting community and had made significant contributions to the theater scene in the region.
Citadel Theatre’s executive director, Jessie van Rijn, and artistic director, Daryl Cloran, expressed their deep sorrow over Arnold’s death, emphasizing his talent and the positive impact he had on everyone around him. They requested privacy and understanding as they focus on supporting Arnold’s family, the Christmas Carol company, staff, and patrons during this difficult time.
Julien Arnold’s legacy as an actor and his dedication to the arts will be remembered and cherished by those who had the privilege of working with him. His absence will be deeply felt in the theater community, and his contributions to the stage will be greatly missed.
