Broadway star Brent Carver has died at age 68. The Tony Award-winning actor passed away on Tuesday in his home in Cranbrook, British Columbia, his family confirmed in a statement to Facebook. The cause of his death was not revealed.
"Blessed with many talents and a natural love of theatre, Brent was always known as a first-class performer, unique in the presentation of his craft, delighting audiences through film, TV, stage and concert performances," his family wrote.
"An impressive record, dating back to 1972, of awards, solo shows, collaborations with musicians, Broadway and West End shows and memorable performances at theatres across Canada and the United States culminated in a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award For Lifetime Artistic Achievement in 2014 — a proud moment for our entire family," the statement continued.
"But Brent, in his humble fashion, will be remembered as the kind, gentle and gifted man he was, with the deepest love as a true friend and family member. His love of performing was matched only by his zest for life and lifetime devotion to family, friends and treasured pets. Thank you to the performing arts community for embracing our Brent and helping him fulfill his dreams with joy in his heart. Brent will be missed."
Organizers of the Stratford Festival said they were "devastated" to hear of Carver's death.
"He was the best of us and represented the best in us," they wrote in a statement to Twitter. "He was singular: an original in every sense. And yet his heart was so big it encompassed us all and made us one. Our thoughts are with his family and all who loved him."
Carver earned a Best Actor Tony Award in 1993 for his Broadway debut in "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and also received a nomination for his performance in the 1999 stage production "Parade," according to Broadway Buzz. He also appeared in dozens of other plays including Broadway's "King Lear" in 2004 and the 2013 revival of "Romeo and Juliet."