Chris Gauthier, of Once Upon a Time and Eureka, Dead at 48
Chris Gauthier, an English-born Canadian actor whose wide variety of TV credits included Once Upon a Time (as Smee) and Eureka, died on Feb. 23, at age 48.
“We can confirm that our dear friend and client, Chris Gauthier, passed away on Friday morning, February 23, at the age of 48,” reads a statement from TriStar Appearances/Event Horizon Talent to TVLine. “As a beloved Vancouver-based character actor, Chris shared his talents with so many of us both on television and in film. His loss is felt not just by his fans but by those of us who were lucky enough to know him more personally. On behalf of his family, we do ask for privacy during this time so that they are able to grieve properly.”
Gauthier “passed suddenly and unexpectedly following a short illness,” his manager told TVLine.
“Rest in Peace Chris! Heartbroken!” wrote Colin O’Donoghue aka Once Upon a Time‘s Hook, William Smee’s captain, on Instagram. “My love and thoughts go out to [wife] Erin and the boys! You will be missed brother! You were the real captain!!”
Added OUAT co-showrunner Adam Horowitz via X, “So sad to hear of the passing of Chris Gauthier. Such a kind, sweet, and talented person. You will be missed.”
Gauthier’s TV roles also included Supernatural (as the paranoid shapeshifter-hunting Ronald Reznick), Harper’s Island, Sanctuary, Smallville (where he had an arc as Winslow Schott aka Toyman), A Series of Unfortunate Events, Legends of Tomorrow (as Henry VIII), The CW’s Charmed reboot and, most recently, Joe Pickett (where in Season 2 he played Wyoming Fish & Game Department commish Randy Pope).
“Another good man gone too soon,” said Harper’s Island star Christopher Gorham. “Grateful to have worked with Chris and am sending love to his family and friends. Rest in peace, pal.”
Gauthier’s film credits included 40 Days and 40 Nights, Agent Cody Banks and Freddy vs. Jason.
Yet another gone far too soon. That’s just too young. :( I have enjoyed watching him in everything I saw of his. I particularly remember his sweet Malcolm from Harper’s Island. Rest in peace.
He was great as Vince in Eureka. Obviously very talented as his parts were very diverse. He will be missed.
This is so sad for someone so young. I’ve been watching him as I watch Eureka for the first time for our podcast Eureka Rewind
Enjoying watching him, I mean
So sad. He was a delight on Eureka
This is so sad. I loved him so much in Eureka. He was like the heart of the show as Vincent. He will be missed. All my love and strength for his family.
He was a perfect Mr. Smee. Way too young to go. RIP
Oh, that’s terrible. RIP and condolences to his family.
Rest in Peace Chris. I also saw you in a couple of Stargate SG-1 movies and loved you in them !
Chris also played supporting roles in many Hallmark movies. Rest in Peace.
He was great in every role. A character actor who just nailed it every time.
Shocked and so sad. He always was such a pleasure to see on the screen. RIP Chris.
Oh no. So young. I loved him as Vince in ‘Eureka’.
Condolences to his family, friends, and coworkers past and present. Over 100 acting credits with two still to be released, it seems he worked steadily over the past 20 years and remember noting him turning up all over the place–thanks to how much film and TV happens in Canada–and usually being a standout.
RIP Chris he was in so many great movies and shows. I was delighted to see him again in Joe Pickett such a great show and he was so great in it. Also never forget you in OUAT, our Smee. Condolences to all the family.
Yes, I loved him as Vincent but also enjoyed seeing him pop up on all the Vancouver-based shows. his guest spot on Dead Like Me as the job candidate with excruciating IBS during an interview was memorable.
This is crazy, I just re-watched Harper’s Island. Holds up, still fun. This is very sad to hear.
He was great as Vincent on Eureka.
.
Rest in peace.
It seems we read a lot of well known people whose death was attributed to a ‘sudden illness’?
What does that even mean?
They got the shot!
“A lot of well know people”?
You mean the 408 film industry people under the age of 50 that IMDb has listed as deceased in 2019? Or the 410 that are listed in 2023? Does 2 more constitute as “a lot” these days?
So very sad. He was fantastic as Mr.Smee and often would reply to OUAT fans on Instagram. My condolences to his family.
Prayers and love to his family during this time of unimaginable grief. I’m extremely sorry for your loss & the loss to the acting community. Chris was a lovely addition to any cast and I will fondly remember his roles on Eureka and Once Upon A Time.
Loved his character in Eureaka !