Although he wasn’t one of the leads, Chris Gauthier delivered an incredibly memorable performance in the hit 2003 horror movie Freddy vs. Jason. Sadly, it’s been confirmed that Gauthier has died at age 48.
As shared by Variety, Gauthier is said to have died by an “unspecified short illness” on February 23. This is certainly devastating news, especially for fans that have recognized Gauthier for his diverse body of film and television work which began in the year 2000.
In addition to his role in Freddy vs. Jason, horror fans may recognize him for performances that include Riding the Bullet and John Carpenter’s Masters of Horror episode titled Cigarette Burns. He also appeared in an episode of Supernatural and the kid-friendly horror show R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour. Scooby-Doo fans may also recognize him from Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.
His other works include 40 Days and 40 Nights, Insomnia, The Butterfly Effect 2, The Sandlot: Heading Home, Watchmen, Beyond the Black Rainbow, Monster Trucks, and The Christmas House. Other television show appearances include Smallville, Psych, iZombie, and Once Upon a Time.
Many fans took to social media to share their condolences. It’s clear that his career, especially those early 2000s appearances, have left a heavy impact on modern-day film fans. Movies like Freddy vs. Jason and Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed have left a heavy mark on today’s pop culture, so it’s certainly sad to see Gauthier dead at such a young age.
Here are some of the tweets shared in honor of Chris Gauthier:
Actor Chris Gauthier, who played Shack in Freddy vs Jason, has sadly passed. 🥀 pic.twitter.com/1ifyU7DSg0
— Diandra Krueger //// (@SassySledgehmmr) February 25, 2024
We are sorry to hear about the passing of Chris Gauthier. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans. pic.twitter.com/m8t3kyqsvK
— Hallmark Channel (@hallmarkchannel) February 26, 2024
RIP to Chris Gauthier whose roles in Freddy vs Jason and Harper’s Island were both so memorable and well performed. pic.twitter.com/4GDPAgvDQk
— based on a true cory (@coryarod) February 25, 2024
I was so utterly saddened to hear of the loss of Chris Gauthier. I had no words yesterday. I spent time with him at two cons and he was the most welcoming, sweet, funny, just the absolute dearest man. The loss of such a pure light in this world is deeply felt by many. pic.twitter.com/Atjk8WI5n9
— 💙💛🇺🇦Michele 🏴☠️🦢🐣 🎵📚🍺 (@EmKatMac) February 26, 2024
One of Gauthier’s own friends, Jordan Danger, shared the following statement having previously worked with Gauthier on Eureka:
Our Eureka family lost one of our own this week. Chris Gauthier was 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. My heart is with… pic.twitter.com/jzHWyIlZyI
— Jordan Danger (@jordandanger) February 26, 2024
It’s certainly nice to see so many fans and friends express their condolences for Gauthier and to see just how much of a mark he’s left on so many film and television fans and creators. The beloved actor is survived by his wife and children.