Vancouver-born actor Chris Gauthier, known for his roles in popular TV shows like Once Upon a Time, Eureka, and Smallville, has passed away at the age of 48. His manager confirmed that Gauthier died “suddenly and unexpectedly” on February 23 following a brief illness. The news of his death came as a shock to his fans and colleagues, who took to social media to express their fond memories of the versatile and talented actor.
Gauthier’s agency, TriStar Appearances/Event Horizon Talent, released a statement on Sunday confirming his death and asking for privacy for his family during this difficult time.
We are sorry to hear about the passing of Chris Gauthier. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans. pic.twitter.com/m8t3kyqsvK
— Hallmark Channel (@hallmarkchannel) February 26, 2024
The statement also acknowledged Gauthier’s impact as a beloved character actor, known for his work in both television and film. Many of his co-stars and colleagues also paid tribute to the actor, sharing their personal experiences and memories of him.
One of Gauthier’s most well-known roles was that of Smee in the hit TV series Once Upon a Time, which aired for seven seasons. He appeared in 14 episodes of the show, showcasing his acting range and gaining a large following of fans. He also had numerous film credits to his name, including Watchmen and 40 Days and 40 Nights. Gauthier’s versatility as an actor allowed him to seamlessly switch between genres and leave a lasting impression on his audience.
Gauthier was also known for his appearances in various Hallmark Channel Christmas movies. He starred in several of these movies, including Ms. Christmas Comes to Town, which was released last October. Gauthier’s co-stars and colleagues from the Hallmark Channel also paid tribute to him, expressing their shock and grief at his sudden passing. The channel also shared their condolences on social media, recognizing Gauthier’s contribution to their network.
Gauthier had a knack for playing quirky and memorable characters, and this was evident in his role as Vincent in the popular TV series Eureka. His portrayal of the lovable bartender in the sci-fi show won him a dedicated fan base and cemented his position as a talented character actor. His co-stars from Eureka also joined the many others in paying homage to Gauthier, remembering him for his warmth, humor, and professionalism on set.
Gauthier’s talent as an actor extended beyond the screen, as he was also known for his stage work. He won critical acclaim for his roles in various theater productions, showcasing his versatility and range as an artist. His passing has left a void in the entertainment industry and has come as a shock to many who knew and worked with him.
Colin O’Donoghue, who played Hook in Once Upon a Time, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing his grief and shock at Gauthier’s passing. He described Gauthier as the “real captain” and expressed his love and thoughts for Gauthier’s wife and two sons. Gauthier is survived by his wife Erin and their two sons, Ben and Sebastian, who have received an outpouring of support and love from friends, colleagues, and fans.
Chris Gauthier, an English-born Canadian actor whose TV credits included Once Upon a Time and Eureka, died on Feb. 23 at age 48. His management said he died from an unspecified short illness.https://t.co/DR7XIJNp50 pic.twitter.com/rw2zqtjSt8
— “Sudden And Unexpected” (@toobaffled) February 26, 2024
Gauthier’s co-star from Harper’s Island, Christopher Gorham, also shared his condolences on social media, describing Gauthier as a “good man gone too soon.” He also expressed his gratitude for having had the opportunity to work with Gauthier and sent his love to his family and friends.
The news of Gauthier’s death has left his fans and colleagues devastated but also serves as a reminder of the impact he had in the entertainment industry. With his versatile acting skills, warm personality, and genuine kindness, Gauthier will always be remembered as an incredibly talented and beloved actor.
