Jonathan Crombie, who was an actor most noted as the lead love interest in Anne of Green Gables, died at the age of 48 after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
According to CBC News, his sister Carrie reported the news of her brother’s death on Saturday. He passed away on Thursday in New York City.
She said of her brother that, “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.”
Crombie was the son of former mayor of Toronto David Crombie. He got the role of Gilbert Blythe for Anne of Green Gables in 1984 and also appeared in the 1987 and 2000 sequels. Carrie said her brother enjoyed the fame that came with his role and that he was “happy to answer any questions” when encountered by fans.
Co-star Megan Follows, who played the main role of Anne, said his death was “a big shock.” She said that Crombie had “an amazing sense of humor” and also called him a “sweetheart.”
His sister said she was unaware of any health issues he may have had and that his organs had been donated.
The New York Times reported that on the Broadway stage, his debut came in The Drowsy Chaperone.
The producer for Anne of Green Gables, Kevin Sullivan, said that Crombie was cast in the role of Gilbert after the director saw him performing for a play in school. He also said that Crombie appeared to represent “the quintessential boy next door” to many young female fans that loved the films.
Image courtesy of Jonathan Crombie