A Christmas CarolStage Actor Dies Mid-Performance After Suffering Medical Emergency

Mar. 15, 2025

Julien Arnold.Photo:Citadel Theatre

Julien Arnold

Citadel Theatre

Julien Arnold, a beloved stage actor in Canada, died after experiencing a medical emergency while performing inA Christmas Carol.His death occurred during an evening performance of the stage production at the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton, Alberta, on Sunday, Nov. 24, according to astatementfrom the Punctuate! Theatre, where his wife, Sheiny Satanove, is the managing director.While his cause of death has not been announced,CBC Newsreported, citing a spokesperson for Alberta Health Services, that he died at the theater “despite resuscitation attempts” from paramedics. He was 60 years old, per theEdmonton Journal.The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!Stock image of an empty theater.GettyAccording to a Citadel Theatreplaybill, Arnold played the roles of Marley and Mr. Fezziwig in the show,which runs till Christmas Eve.The theater said in astatementthat this season’s run ofA Christmas Carolwould be dedicated to the actor, who also performed in productions ofThe Wizard of Oz,Beauty and the Beast,A Midsummer Night’s Dream,andOnce.He was remembered as a “cherished member of the Edmonton theatre community” who was “a gifted performer” with “charisma and talent.““Julien’s passing is a profound loss to his family, friends, fellowCarolcompany 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,” their statement added.Julien Arnold.Citadel TheatreAfundraiserhas been set up to help support his wife with costs “related to his passing, including funeral costs, rent, groceries, and time off work to grieve.““Julien’s reach was wide, and we want to make sure as many people as possible have the opportunity to send condolences and support,” its description further explains.On Wednesday, Nov. 27, the Citadel Theatre released anupdate, thanking their community members for their “ongoing kindness and understanding” as they grieve Arnold.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“Please know the Carol family feels the warmth and support of the community as they come together once again to share a story grounded in the importance of compassion, the power of generosity, and the resilience of the human spirit,” their update continued.

Julien Arnold, a beloved stage actor in Canada, died after experiencing a medical emergency while performing inA Christmas Carol.

His death occurred during an evening performance of the stage production at the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton, Alberta, on Sunday, Nov. 24, according to astatementfrom the Punctuate! Theatre, where his wife, Sheiny Satanove, is the managing director.

While his cause of death has not been announced,CBC Newsreported, citing a spokesperson for Alberta Health Services, that he died at the theater “despite resuscitation attempts” from paramedics. He was 60 years old, per theEdmonton Journal.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Stock image of an empty theater.Getty

empty theater

Getty

According to a Citadel Theatreplaybill, Arnold played the roles of Marley and Mr. Fezziwig in the show,which runs till Christmas Eve.

The theater said in astatementthat this season’s run ofA Christmas Carolwould be dedicated to the actor, who also performed in productions ofThe Wizard of Oz,Beauty and the Beast,A Midsummer Night’s Dream,andOnce.

He was remembered as a “cherished member of the Edmonton theatre community” who was “a gifted performer” with “charisma and talent.”

“Julien’s passing is a profound loss to his family, friends, fellowCarolcompany 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,” their statement added.

Julien Arnold.Citadel Theatre

Julien Arnold

Afundraiserhas been set up to help support his wife with costs “related to his passing, including funeral costs, rent, groceries, and time off work to grieve.”

“Julien’s reach was wide, and we want to make sure as many people as possible have the opportunity to send condolences and support,” its description further explains.

On Wednesday, Nov. 27, the Citadel Theatre released anupdate, thanking their community members for their “ongoing kindness and understanding” as they grieve Arnold.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“Please know the Carol family feels the warmth and support of the community as they come together once again to share a story grounded in the importance of compassion, the power of generosity, and the resilience of the human spirit,” their update continued.

source: people.com