(NEXSTAR) – Chris Gauthier, a character actor whose extensive resume includes recurring appearances on “Once Upon a Time,” “Eureka” and “Supernatural,” died on the morning of Feb. 23 after a “brief illness,” his talent agency confirmed.
He was 48 years old.
“As a beloved character actor, Chris shared his talents with so many of us both on television and in film,” a spokesperson for TriStar Appearances/Event Horizon Talent told Nexstar in an emailed statement. “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’s acting career spanned decades, starting in the early 2000s with TV roles on “Cold Squad” and “Dark Angel” and films including “40 Days and 40 Nights,” “Insomnia,” “Agent Cody Banks” and “Freddy vs. Jason,” per IMDb.
But fans might best recognize Gauthier from his work on numerous beloved television series. The Canadian actor played bank teller Ronald Reznick (and later Reznick’s spirit form) on the CW’s “Supernatural,” as well as Phil, an optimistic lumber mill worker on Netflix’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” He also appeared in every season of the SyFy series “Eureka” and portrayed the Disney character Smee on ABC’s “Once Upon a Time.”
Colin O’Donoghue, who played Captain Hook on “Once Upon a Time,” shared a message on Gauthier’s passing to Instagram, as well as condolences to his wife and children.
“Rest in Peace Chris! Heartbroken,” O’Donoghue wrote. “My love and thoughts go out to Erin and the boys! You will be missed brother! You were the real captain!!
In a post on X, Gauthier’s “Eureka” co-star Jordan Danger also called him “the kindest, coolest guy you ever met.”
“He was a true talent, a real actor. I never met one person who had a remotely bad thing to say about Chris. He was just the realest and sweetest there was,” Danger wrote. “My heart is with Erin and his boys right now as they navigate this devastating loss. If you knew Chris, you loved Chris. We’ll miss you so much buddy.”