Jonathan Crombie Dead: Anne of Green Gables Star Dies of Brain Hemorrhage at 48

Jonathan Crombie Dead: Anne of Green Gables Star Dies of Brain Hemorrhage at 48

How Sad. Jonathan Crombie, best known for playing Gilbert Blythe in the Anne of Green Gables movies, recently passed away on Wednesday, April 15. His family announced that he died of a brain hemorrhage in New York City.

Crombie’s sister, Carrie Crombie, released a statement to CBC News confirming his passing on Saturday, April 18. She says, “We’ve been going through lots of stories these last couple days. 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.”

Carrie Crombie goes on to reveal that her brother embraced the fame that came along with playing Gilbert Blythe, and would answer to the name “Gil” if a fan recognized him on the street.

“I think he was really proud of being Gilbert Blythe and was happy to answer questions. He really enjoyed that series and was happy, very proud of it. we all were. But I think his proudest part was when he played the lead in Drowsy Chaperone and Broadway. That was just an amazing thing for him to be able to do.”

Of the situation, producer of Anne of Green Gables, Kevin Sullivan tells CBC, “I think there will be hundreds of people who will be floored that this has happened. It’s such a devastating tragedy. In reality, Jonathan was as generous, as kind, as sensitive and as ambitious, in some ways, as the character he came to be identified with.”

The death comes as a surprise to the family. Carrie Crombie said that she was unaware that her brother had any life threatening health issues. She went on to confirm that his organs have been donated, and that she believed that is something that he would have been very proud of. In her closing remarks she said that a “huge, wonderful celebration of life” will be held in his honor in the weeks to come.

We send our condolences to the Crombie family and wish them all the best in this tough time.