The entertainment industry has lost a great theater actor, Julien Arnold. His unexpected death has prompted heartfelt statements from theaters and colleagues who once worked with him.
In a tragic turn of events, Edmonton, Canada, is mourning the loss of actor Julien Arnold, who passed away unexpectedly on November 24, 2024, during a night performance of “A Christmas Carol.”
His sudden death occurred at the Citadel Theatre following a medical emergency. According to Kerry Williamson, a spokesperson for Alberta Health Services, paramedics arrived at the theater around 8:28 p.m. on the night of the incident.
Despite their efforts to resuscitate him, the Alberta actor passed away at the theater. The Citadel’s playbill revealed that Arnold was performing as Marley and Mr. Fezziwig in the production. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the theater paid tribute to his memory.
The post described him as “a gifted performer whose charisma and talent graced our stage in countless productions, including ‘A Christmas Carol.'” In his honor, the theater dedicated this season’s run of “A Christmas Carol” to his memory.
The post also featured images from several productions Arnold had performed in at the Citadel. For instance, in 2009, he appeared as Bob Cratchit in “A Christmas Carol.” That same year, he took on the role of The Cowardly Lion in “The Wizard of Oz.”
In 2010, he portrayed Cogsworth in “Beauty and the Beast.” In 2012, he played Bottom in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” He also starred as Da in “Once.” Another theater Arnold was closely associated with, Punctuate! Theatre, also mourned his passing.
On its Instagram page, the theater shared a picture of the actor with his wife, Sheiny Satanove, on their wedding day, along with a statement confirming his death. The theater reflected on how he departed as he lived, “immersed in his passion for theatre.”
He was remembered for his immense talent, warmth, and generosity, which touched the lives of many. The late actor is survived by his wife, who is the Managing Director and Artistic Producer of Punctuate! Theatre.
The theater announced the creation of a fundraiser to support Satanove with funeral expenses, rent, and time off work to grieve. It added, “Julien’s reach was vast, and we hope to give everyone the opportunity to express their condolences and support.”
The theater also noted that while Arnold’s presence will be greatly missed, “his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.” The fundraiser, set up on GoFundMe, aims to raise CAD 75,000, which is approximately USD 53,500.
A few days after his passing, the theater shared another wedding day photo of Arnold and his wife, thanking those who had offered support and help to Satanove. On the day following his death, the Citadel Theatre released an official statement addressing the loss.
Jessie van Rijn, the Citadel’s executive director, and Daryl Cloran, its artistic director, described Arnold as a cherished cast member who was deeply loved by the Edmonton theater community. They added, “His presence brought joy, heart and depth to every role, and his artistic contributions — and big hugs — will be deeply missed.”
Van Rijn and Cloran requested privacy and patience as the theater focused on supporting the late star’s family, the “A Christmas Carol” cast, staff, and patrons during this difficult time.
They also announced scheduling changes for upcoming performances, with the box office contacting affected ticket holders. Arnold was a co-founder of the theater company behind the Freewill Shakespeare Festival, Free Will Players.
David Horak, the festival’s artistic director, shared how the late actor had been a vital part of Edmonton’s theater community for many years. Reflecting on Arnold’s legacy, Horak said, “He just had the ability to create characters that had the biggest hearts in the world, and he was like that as well, as a person.”
The artist director also noted the actor’s exceptional talent for making complex and challenging texts feel conversational. Mourning his loss, Horak added, “There’s nobody, nobody quite like him.” Arnold was widely loved and highly regarded for his contributions to theater, leading to the promotion of his work by those who knew him.
Liz Nicholls, one of Arnold’s colleagues, had previously shared images of him performing on stage via Facebook. The Theatre Network also honored his memory by posting several photos and a statement on Facebook.
The Theatre Network team reflected on their collaborations with him over the years, including productions. He appeared in productions such as “A Skull in Connemara” (2003), “Closer and Closer Apart” (2007), and “Alias Godot” (2008).
Arnold also directed and produced “The Lonesome West” in 2008. The Theatre Network concluded its tribute by stating, “Julien’s legacy will live on through the stories he told, the lives he touched, and the community he inspired. He will be deeply missed.”
In 2019, fans had the pleasure of seeing him perform in “Mesa” at the Varscona Theatre. According to his biography, he also performed at Workshop West Theatre, Northern Light Theatre, Mayfield Dinner Theatre, and Theatre Yes.
His 2015 performance in “The Laws of Thermodynamics” earned him a Sterling Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor.
May Julien Arnold rest in peace, and may his family and friends find comfort in one another during this difficult time.
