Actor Julien Arnold Dies During Christmas Carol Performance

Julien Arnold, a prominent Canadian actor who founded the Free Will Players theater company, passed away following a medical emergency on November 24 during his performance of A Christmas Carol at Citadel Theatre in Edmonton. He was 60 years old.

The theater community is mourning this significant loss. Arnold, who was not only a talented performer but also a founding member of the theatrical company, faced a medical crisis while portraying multiple roles: Marley, Mr. Fezziwig, the Banjo, and an ensemble member.

Emergency medical services arrived at the theater at approximately 8:28 p.m. and attempted multiple life-saving interventions on Arnold. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Alberta Health Services spokesperson Kerry Williamson, who spoke to CBC News on November 26. The specific details regarding his medical emergency remain undisclosed.

In reaction to Arnold's death, Citadel Theatre announced it would modify the performance schedule of A Christmas Carol, running until December 24, to allow the cast and crew time to grieve.

Arnold, an Edmonton native and University of Alberta alumnus, enjoyed a lengthy career in theater, appearing in productions such as The Taming of the Shrew, The Wizard of Oz, Twelfth Night, and Sense and Sensibility. He worked with notable companies like Citadel Theatre and Northern Light Theatre before co-founding Free Will Players, which is known for hosting Edmonton’s annual Freewill Shakespeare Festival.

In remembrance of Arnold, Citadel Theatre’s executive director Jessie van Rijn and artistic director Daryl Cloran issued a heartfelt statement about his influence on the artistic community.

"His presence brought joy, heart, and depth to every role," they shared in a statement on November 26 to CBC News. "His artistic contributions — and those warm hugs — will be profoundly missed."

In conclusion, van Rijn and Cloran requested space and understanding as they focus on supporting Arnold's family, the Christmas Carol cast, staff, and theater patrons during this challenging period.

Earlier, SSP reported that Barbara Taylor Bradford, best-selling author of "A Woman of Substance," dies at 91.