Sad News For Fans Of Anne Of Green Gables

Actor Jonathan Crombie, who played Gilbert Blythe in the beloved Anne of Green Gables movies that aired on the CBC in the 1980s, passed away on Wednesday from a brain hemorrhage at age 48. The actor, who was the son of former Toronto mayor David Crombie, had been living in New York. Since doing the second sequel in 2000 Crombie had appeared on Broadway as the lead in The Drowsy Chaperone. His Gables co-star Megan Follows, who played Anne shared some fond memories with the CBC.

"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." In shock from the unexpected news, she spoke of their natural and easy chemistry. "He had that beautiful face. He was a lot of fun he was very open so you just felt he was someone who really wanted to play and it really was a new experience for him," she said, adding that the project was one of Crombie's first.

As a tribute to him and the frequent trips Crombie made between between Toronto and New York by bus, never taking a plane, that's how the family will be bringing his ashes back. According to his sister, he always liked the bus because he met fascinating people that inspired countless impersonations.

The family has arranged for his organs to be donated and will be planning a big celebration of his life in the near future.