The ‘Once Upon a Time’ actor was 48 years old

Chris Gauthier, a Canadian actor known for “Once Upon a Time,” “Smallville” and “Eureka,” died Feb. 23 of a brief, unspecified illness, according to his address. He was 48 years old.

in a statement posted on FacebookChad Colvin of TriStar Appearances confirmed the news: “When his wife Erin came to me yesterday to tell me the news, I cried tears of disbelief for hours. It took me until now to mentally and emotionally prepare myself to write this.”

“Chris was the literal textbook definition of a character actor. You may not have known his name, but you knew his face, you knew his voice, and you knew that if he was on screen, you were in for an incredible ride. Whether he was going toe-to-toe against Clark Kent in ‘Smallville’ as Toyman (pictured), tormenting Dean in ‘Supernatural’, on deck with Hook as Smee in ‘Once Upon A Time’ or in guest roles in the countless On other Vancouver-based productions he was on, he ALWAYS gave it his all when the camera was rolling,” the statement continued.

In addition to Colvin’s featured roles, Gauthier’s other television credits include “Harper’s Island,” “Sanctuary,” “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” “Legends of Tomorrow,” “Charmed” and “Joe Pickett.” In the film field, Gauthier had roles in “40 Days and 40 Nights”, “Agent Cody Banks” and “Freddy vs. “Jason.”

Gauthier’s friend Corrine Wright wrote in a Facebook post that the actor had worked with stars such as Anthony Hopkins and Robin Williams, as well as “a host of other actors who speak highly of what a great person he was.”

Colin O’Donoghue, who played Hook in “Once Upon a Time” alongside Gauthier, paid tribute to the actor in instagram: “Rest in peace Chris! With a broken heart! My love and thoughts are with Erin and the boys! We will miss you brother! You were the real captain!!

Gauthier is survived by his wife and children.