Chris Gauthier, Actor Known for Once Upon a Time and Hallmark Movies, Dead at 48

Chris Gauthier, an actor known for his roles in Once upon a time, Eurekaand Smallville, died. He was 48 years old.

Gauthier died “suddenly and unexpectedly” on February 23 after a brief illness, his manager told TV Line Sunday. The English-born Canadian actor’s death was also confirmed by his agency, TriStar Appearances/Event Horizon Talent, in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

“We can confirm that our friend and client, Chris Gauthier, passed away on Friday morning, February 23, at the age of 48 after a brief illness,” the statement read. “As a beloved character actor from Vancouver, Chris has shared his talent with many of us in both television and film. His loss is felt not only by his fans, but also by those of us who were lucky enough to know him better. On behalf of his family, we ask for privacy during this time so they can properly grieve.”

TriStar Appearances’ Chad Colvin also shared his grief over Gauthier’s death in a statement posted Sunday on Facebook.

Chris Gauthier in ‘Smallville’.

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“This is still not real. How can he?” he wrote. “The world without you is a much darker place. So much so that I cried tears of disbelief for hours when his wife called me yesterday with the news.”

Colvin recalled meeting Gauthier for the first time as his second client as a talent agent. “Chris was the literal textbook definition of a character actor. Maybe you didn’t know his name, but you knew his face, you knew his voice, and you knew that if he was on screen, you were in for one hell of a ride,” he continued, adding, “Brother…I’m going to miss you more than you’ll ever imagine.”

Gauthier has several acting credits to his name in TV shows including Supernatural, Harper’s Island, Joe Pickett and Once upon a timein which he played William Smee based on a character from Peter Pan in 14 episodes.

He also acted in such films as The guards, 40 days and 40 nights and numerous Hallmark Christmas movies including Christmas promise, Three wise men and a baby and recently, Mrs. Božić is coming to townwhich was published last October.

Gauthier featured in the first season of ‘Eureka’ in 2006.

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Tribute to celebrities who died in 2023

The Hallmark Channel honored Gauthier with an Instagram post on Sunday. “We are sorry that Chris Gauthier has passed away,” it said. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans.”

Brennan Elliott, who starred opposite Gauthier in Mrs. Božić is coming to town, she wrote in an emotional message on Instagram, “While I’m writing this I don’t know why to be honest! I’m still in shock! I made a #christmasmovie for @hallmarkmoviesnow with this incredibly talented actor, but more importantly an incredibly open and committed actor. I only knew him during the three-week shoot, but he was so brilliant and we had great conversations!”

“Fast forward a few months and he ended up doing the role that I was for and it’s good for him and good for the production because he knocked it out of the park! Why do beautiful souls and good people leave so young!? 49. Unbelief!!😞,” he continued. “THANK YOU Chris for being a wonderful man and a talented artist who touched us all! #mschristmascomestotown wouldn’t be a movie without you!”

Gauthier also appeared in ‘Harper’s Island’.

Chris Helcermanas-Benge/CBS via Getty Images

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Colin O’Donoghue, who played Once upon a time‘s Hook, wrote on Instagram, “Rest in Peace Chris! Broken hearted! My love and thoughts go out [wife] Erin and the boys! You will be missed bro! You were a real captain!!”

Harper’s Island star Christopher Gorham also shared, “Another good man gone too soon. I am grateful to have worked with Chris and send love to his family and friends. Rest in peace my friend.”

Gauthier is survived by his wife, Erin, and two sons, Ben and Sebastian.

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