Chris Gauthier, Smee On 'Once Upon a Time', Has Died At 48
The Canadian actor also appeared in 'Legends of Tomorrow' and a slew of Hallmark Christmas movies
You’ve probably seen his face, but you’ve always kept an aye out. Actor Chris Gauthier, known for his roles in Eureka, Freddy vs. Jason, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and his portrayals of the Toyman on Smallville and Smee on Once Upon a Time died on February 23 at 48 years old. According to TriStar Appearances/Event Horizon Talent, his management team, he died from an unspecified short illness.
His management did put out the confirming statement, which read “We can confirm that our dear friend and client, Chris Gauthier, passed away on Friday morning, February 23, at the age of 48. 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.”
The request for privacy is apt, as aside from being an English-born Canadian, which accounts for his Vancouver-heavy acting work, there’s not much biographical information about him available online, but his survivors include wife Erin and their two sons. The condolences and grievings that have gone online include from Colin O'Donoghue, his Captain Hook on Once Upon a Time, who posted on Instagram “Rest in Peace Chris! Heartbroken! My love and thoughts go out to [wife] Erin and the boys! You will be missed brother! You were the real captain!!” An alternate version of Smee that Gauthier played, allegedly created by a wish from Emma Swan (it’s complicated), was given captaincy of the Jolly Roger when that realm’s Hook committed to raising his daughter Alice.
Series co-creator Adam Horowitz gave his own on Twitter, saying “So sad to hear of the passing of Chris Gauthier. Such a kind, sweet, and talented person. You will be missed.” Michael Rosenbaum, who was Smallville’s Lex Luthor recalled “I didn’t know Chris well but I filmed a scene with him on Smallville once and I had such a blast with him. his energy was electric. he was a delight. It’s very sad to hear this news. RIP buddy.”
On Eureka, in what was likely his biggest recurring role at a reported 61 episodes, Gauthier played Vincent, the owner and chef of Café Diem. In the A Series of Unfortunate Events, he played Phil of the Lucky Smells Lumber Mill in the episode pair adapting The Miserable Mill before being recruited for Captain Widdershins’ crew in The Grim Grotto and thus appearing in that pair. His other TV roles included paranoid shapeshifter hunter Ronald Reznick on Supernatural, Henry VIII on Legends of Tomorrow, as well as Harper’s Island, Sanctuary, and the Charmed reboot. His most recent TV role was recurring on Paramount+’s Joe Pickett’s second season, playing Wyoming Fish & Game Department commisioner Randy Pope. He has also starred in several Hallmark Christmas movies. As far as non-TV films, not only has he been in Freddy vs. Jason, but Agent Cody Banks, Watchmen and the last project to star the cast of Stargate SG-1, the direct-to-video Stargate: The Ark of Truth.
