Chris Gauthier, Actor Known for Once Upon a Time and Hallmark Movies, Dead at 48

Chris Gauthier, the actor known for his roles in Once Upon a Time, Eureka, and Smallville, has died. He was 48. 

Gauthier died "suddenly and unexpectedly" on Feb. 23 following a short illness, his manager told TV Line Sunday. The English-born Canadian actor’s death was also confirmed by his agency TriStar Appearances/Event Horizon Talent in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

"We can confirm that our friend and client, Chris Gauthier, passed away on Friday morning, February 23, at the age of 48 after a brief illness," the statement read. “As a beloved Vancouver-based character actor, Chris shared his talents with so many of us both on television and in film. 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.”

TriStar Appearances' Chad Colvin also shared his sadness at Gauthier’s death in a statement posted on Facebook Sunday. 

“This still doesn't feel real. How can it?” he wrote. “A world without you in it is a much darker place. So much so that when his wife reached out to me yesterday with the news, I wept tears of disbelief for hours.”

Colvin recalled meeting Gauthier for the first time as his second client as a talent agent. “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 onscreen, you were in for a helluva ride,” he continued, adding, “Brother ... I am going to miss you so much more than you'll ever imagine.”

Gauthier has several acting credits under his name in TV shows including Supernatural, Harper’s Island, Joe Pickett and Once Upon a Time, in which he played William Smee based on the character in Peter Pan in for 14 episodes.

He also starred in such films as Watchmen, 40 Days and 40 Nights and numerous Hallmark Christmas movies including The Christmas Promise, Three Wise Men and a Baby and most recently, Ms. Christmas Comes to Town, which was released last October.

The Hallmark channel paid tribute to Gauthier in an Instagram post on Sunday. “We are sorry to hear about the passing of Chris Gauthier,” it read. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans.”

Brennan Elliott, who starred alongside Gauthier in Ms. Christmas Comes to Town, wrote in an emotional message on Instagram, “As I am writing this I don’t know why to be honest! I am still in shock! I did a #christmasmovie for @hallmarkmoviesnow with this incredibly talented actor but more important an amazingly open and giving soul. I only knew him for the 3-week shoot but he was such a beaming light and we had some great conversations!”

“Skip a couple months and a role I was up for he ended up doing and good for him as well as the production cause he knocked it out of the park! Why do the beautiful souls and good people go so young!? 49. Disbelief!!😞,” he continued. “THANKYOU Chris for being a beautiful human and talented artist that touched us all! #mschristmascomestotown wouldn’t of been the movie without you!"

Colin O’Donoghue, who played Once Upon a Time‘s Hook, wrote 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!!”

Several other castmembers from the ABC series weighed in, too, with Josh Dallas, who played Prince Charming, writing, “Rest in peace Chris. Love and light to his family.”

Lana Parrilla also shard his sadness at the news. “Oh no. Rest Easy Chris. I’m so sorry Coiln. [sic] Healing love and light to all who love him. 🙏🏽❤️🕯.”

Sean Maguire, who played Robin Hood, also weighed in, writing, “What?!??! No!!!! No no no no. Gutted heartbroken. In shock. 💔.”

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Harper’s Island star Christopher Gorham also shared, “Another good man gone too soon. Grateful to have worked with Chris and am sending love to his family and friends. Rest in peace, pal.”

Gauthier is survived by his wife Erin and his two sons, Ben and Sebastian.