Jonathan Crombie, who was best known for starring in Anne of Green Gables, has passed away at the age of 48. The actor suffered a brain hemorrhage and died in New York City.
His sister Carrie confirmed the news a few days after Jonathan's death on Wednesday, and paid tribute to her "sweet" sibling.
"He was funny, he was sweet, he loved acting, he loved comedy and singing and dancing," Carrie told CBS News. "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."
© Photo: Getty ImagesJonathan Crombie suffered a brain hemorrhage and died in New York City
Jonathan will perhaps be most remembered for his role as Gilbert Blythe, the character that made him a household name in his native Canada. He was scouted at the age of 17 after a casting director saw him perform in a school play.
Jonathan, who starred opposite female protagonist Megan Follows in the 1985 drama series, also appeared in the film's two sequels, Anne of Avonlea and Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story.
© Photo: RexMegan Follows and Jonathan Crombie played each other's onscreen love interests
"I think he was really proud of being Gilbert Blythe and was happy to answer any questions... he really enjoyed that series and was happy, very proud of it – we all were," said Carrie. Jonathan went on to make his Broadway debut in 2007's The Drowsy Chaperone.
"I think his proudest part was when he played the lead in Drowsy Chaperone on Broadway," added Carrie. "That was just an amazing thing for him to be able to do."
© Photo: Getty Images"He was so playful and silly and really bright," said Megan Follows of her late co-star
Jonathan's co-stars and old friends have paid tribute to the actor, with Megan, who played his on-screen love interest Anne in the film series, calling him a "sweetheart".
"He was incredibly funny, Jonathan just had an amazing sense of humour," said Megan, 47. "Truly I just remember at times just laughing so hard that you'd just be crying. He was so playful and silly and as I said really bright, so his humour was always informed with that, which made him even funnier."
Anne of Green Gables producer Kevin Sullivan added: "I think for legions of young women around the world who fell in love with the Anne of Green Gables films, Jonathan literally represented the quintessential boy next door, and there were literally thousands of women who wrote to him over the years who saw him as a perfect mate."
