| Mike Vulpo 18. April 2015 – 17:41
Anne of Green Gables star Jonathan Crombie has died, according to CBC News. He was 48.
His sister Carrie Crombie told the Canadian news organization that her brother suffered a brain hemorrhage and died in New York City on Wednesday.
“He was funny, he was sweet, he loved acting, he loved comedy and singing and dancing,” she recalled Saturday. “As a little kid, he just loved Broadway shows and all of that kind of stuff and would sing and dance in the living room.”
She added, “We’ve been going through lots of stories the last couple days.”
Born and raised in Toronto, Jonathan was discovered at 17 while performing in a high school production of The Wizard of Oz. Casting director Diane Polley, the mother of actress Sarah Polley, helped bring him to the CBC TV miniseries Anne of Green Gables that ultimately earned him thousands of fans.
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“I think he was really proud of being Gilbert Blythe and was happy to answer any questions,” Carrie confessed. “He really enjoyed that series and was happy, very proud of it—we all were.”
His other TV credits include playing the character Lionel Train in the series Slings and Arrows. In January, Jonathan played a police inspector on an episode of The Good Wife.
One of his proudest moments, however, may not have been seen on TV. Instead, it was on the stage in front of a live audience.
“I think his proudest part was when he played the lead in Drowsy Chaperone on Broadway,” Jonathan’s sister revealed. “That was just an amazing thing for him to be able to do.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.
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