Veteran Canadian actor Chris Gauthier passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 23, at the age of 48.
He made two appearances on the Stargate franchise, playing the Belkan Mattas in the Stargate Atlantis episode “Trinity” before returning as an Ori resistance operative in the 2008 movie Stargate: The Ark of Truth.
But science fiction and fantasy fans probably remember Gauthier best for his role on the Syfy Channel dramedy Eureka and a recurring part on ABC’s Once Upon a Time. As a series regular on Eureka he played Vincent, a gourmet chef and owner of Café Diem. He appeared in more than a dozen episodes of Once Upon a Time as Mr. Smee, deck hand on the Jolly Roger and Captain Hook’s right-hand man.
Gauthier’s management stated that he died suddenly after a short illness.
Gauthier was one of those prolific Vancouver actors who seemed to appear in just about everything filmed in town, starting with an appearance on Cold Squad in 2000. Since then his more than 100 television and film credits include performances on Sanctuary, Supernatural, Smallville (where he played the Toyman), Psych, Continuum, Dead Like Me, Earthsea, Kyle XY, Watchmen (2009), DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (as Henry VIII), Charmed, and When Calls the Heart — just to name a few.
“We can confirm that our dear friend and client, Chris Gauthier, passed away on Friday morning, February 23, at the age of 48,” TriStar Appearances / Event Horizon Talent said. “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 is survived by his wife and children. Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with his family and friends during this time.