Canadian stage actor Julien Arnold, founder of the Shakespeare theater company Free Will Players, has passed away after suffering a medical emergency during a performance of ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre.
The incident happened on November 24, 2024. He was 60 years old.
Paramedics responded to the scene at 8:28 p.m., performing multiple resuscitation attempts.
Arnold, who was portraying Marley, Mr. Fezziwig, Banjo, and ensemble roles in the production, was pronounced dead at the theatre.
The cause of his medical emergency has not been disclosed, according to Alberta Health Services spokesperson, Kerry Williamson.
In response to Arnold’s passing, the Citadel Theatre announced adjustments to the remaining schedule of ‘A Christmas Carol’, which is set to run until December 24, allowing the cast and crew time to grieve.
Arnold’s extensive theatre career included performances in The Taming of the Shrew, The Wizard of Oz, Twelfth Night, and Sense and Sensibility.
He worked with notable companies such as Citadel Theatre, Northern Light Theatre, and Workshop West Theatre, while also co-founding Edmonton’s Freewill Shakespeare Festival.
Citadel Theatre’s executive director Jessie van Rijn and artistic director Daryl Cloran mourned Arnold’s passing, describing him as a beloved figure who brought “joy, heart, and depth” to his roles. “His artistic contributions—and big hugs—will be deeply missed,” they stated.
