Chris Gauthier, a character actor who appeared on “Once Upon a Time,” “Eureka” and several CW series, has died. He was 48 years old.
The Canadian-British actor died Friday morning “suddenly and unexpectedly after a brief illness,” according to a Monday statement from his management company, RED Management.
“He was a kind, witty, passionate and empathetic man and we will all miss him dearly. “Our hearts go out to his family that he spoke about with so much love and pride and we ask that you respect his privacy during this difficult time,” the RED statement added.
“As a beloved Vancouver-based character actor, Chris shared his talents with many of us, both on television and in film. “His loss is felt not only by his fans but also by those of us who were fortunate enough to know him more personally,” his talent agency, TriStar Appearances/Event Horizon Talent, told TVLine. “On behalf of his family, we ask for privacy during this time so they can properly grieve.”
Gauthier notably played Captain Hook's sidekick William Smee on ABC's Disney fairy tale-inspired primetime drama “Once Upon a Time,” which aired on ABC from 2012 to 2018. He also played Captain Hook's sidekick William Smee. café owner Vincent in the SyFy adventure comedy “Eureka.” ” and appeared in the 2003 horror film “Freddy vs. Jason,” CBS' “Harper's Island,” Netflix's “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” USA's “Psych” and the CW's “Smallville,” “iZombie” and “DC's Legends of Mañana.”
Chris Gauthier puts his hand over Emilie De Ravin's mouth as if to kidnap her in an episode of “Once Upon a Time.”
(David Gray/Disney via Getty Images)
“Our Eureka family lost one of our own this week.” tweeted “Eureka” co-star Jordan Danger, who played Zoe on the series, which ran from 2006 to 2012. “Chris Gauthier was the nicest, coolest guy you'll ever meet. He was a real talent, a real actor. I've never met a person who had anything remotely bad to say about Chris. He was just the realest and sweetest there was. …If you knew Chris, you loved Chris. “We will miss you very much friend”
Colin O'Donoghue, who played Hook on “OUAT,” mourned his former co-star on Instagram, sharing a behind-the-scenes photo from the series and writing, “Rest in peace, Chris! With a broken heart! My love and my thoughts are with [his wife] and the boys! We will miss you brother! You were the real captain!!
“Oh, no. Rest easy Cris. I'm so sorry.” [Colin]. Healing love and light for all who love him,” said co-star Lana Parilla, who played the Evil Queen on the series.
“OUAT” co-host Adam Horowitz wrote: “It is very sad to hear of the passing of Chris Gauthier. Such a kind, sweet and talented person. We will miss you”.
Co-star Raphael Sbarge, who played Jiminy Cricket/Dr. Archibald Hopper on the show added: “The beloved Chris Gauthier, also known as @captaingauthier… has passed away, and we are all dying. [sic] News. It would be difficult to find a sweeter, happier soul. A man of consummate character, generosity and great talent. Flights from Angeles, Captain. #Once upon a time”
“Still in shock over the passing of our friend Chris Gauthier.” tweeted Sean Maguire, the Robin Hood of the series. “He was such a lovely guy. He loved talking about football and our kids together. Such a warm and kind man. I send all my love to his wife, children and friends. “He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”
“I didn't know Chris well, but I once filmed a scene with him in Smallville and had a great time. His energy was electric. He was a delight. It is very sad to hear this news. RIP friend” wrote “Smallville” actor Michael Rosenbaum, who played Lex Luthor in the “Superman” prequel series.
Lee Majdoub, actor and friend of “Sonic the Hedgehog” tweeted: “You were unique, my friend. Thank you for your light, your positivity, and your guidance through the years. Most importantly, thank you for all the laughter we shared. I wouldn't be here without you. We will miss you, 'Vivtorrrrria!!!'”
Gauthier is survived by his wife and two children.
