Jonathan Crombie, known best for his role as Gilbert Blythe in the Anne of Green Gables films, died of a brain hemorrhage on Wednesday at the age of 48.
The actor’s sister, Carrie Crombie, told the CBC that her brother died in New York City.
“We’ve been going through lots of stories the last couple days,” she said.
“He was funny, he was sweet, he loved acting, he loved comedy and singing and dancing. 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.
Jonathan Crombie starred in Anne of Green Gables in 1984, as well as the film’s two sequels in 1987 and 2000. He loved the role so much, he even answered to the name Gilbert Blythe when fans called out to him in public.
Anne of Green Gables star Jonathan Crombie has died: http://t.co/6WKjg3KKB0
— Us Weekly (@usweekly) April 18, 2015
“I think he was really proud of being Gilbert Blythe and was happy to answer any questions…he really enjoyed that series and was happy, very proud of it–we all were,” his sister said.
Jonathan Crombie was proudest, however, of his lead in a Broadway production.
“I think his proudest part was when he played the lead in Drowsy Chaperone on Broadway. That was just an amazing thing for him to be able to do,” Carrie Crombie said.
Jonathan Crombie’s last acting role was on a recent episode of The Good Wife.
Carrie Crombie says her brother’s body will be brought back to Toronto–where he was born and where their father once served as mayor throughout much of the 1970s.
“To be honest, that’s how we are going to be bringing him back,” she said. “We felt that it was an ode to Jonathan. He would never go on a plane, so we’re going to make the trek from New York to Toronto on a bus with his ashes.”
Condolences are no doubt going out to the family of Jonathan Crombie on the passing of the Anne of Green Gables star.