The star of the 1985 TV drama film and its sequels, Jonathan Crombie, has passed away. He was 48 years old.

His sister, Carrie, told CBC that Jonathan suffered from a brain hemorrhage on Wednesday in New York City. 

Describing his brother as a sweet and funny person who loved to act, sing and dance, she said that "As a little kid, he just loved Broadway shows and all of that kind of stuff and would dance and sing in the living room." 

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Jonathan is well known for his portrayal of Gilbert Blythe in all of the "Anne of Green Gables" films. In the movie, he was the rival classmate of Anne, portrayed by Megan Follows, who eventually wins her heart.

Gilbert was Jonathan's first major acting role and a role he became so well-known for and associated with that when fans call him Gilbert instead of Jonathan on the street, he would answer.

His sister added that Jonathan was extremely proud of playing Gilbert Blythe and was very happy to answer any of the questions. She shared that Jonathan enjoyed the series and was very proud to be a part of it.

"We all were," she added before continuing to say that his brother's proudest moment was probably when he landed a starring role in the Canadian musical "The Drowsy Chaperone on Broadway."

His last role was a guest appearance in one episode of the legal and political drama "The Good Wife." He also played a role in the dark, comic series "Slings & Arrows" and provided his voice to the stuffed animal in the "The Secret World of Benjamin Bear."

Carrie said there is a "wonderful and huge celebration of life" planned for Jonathan. She revealed that she just recently took a bus to and from Toronto, to visit the place where her brother was born and where Jonathan's father was mayor in the 70s.

Recalling that Jonathan would never ride a plane, she plans to bring him to Toronto from New York on a bus.

TagsAnne of Green Gables, Jonathan Crombie, brain hemorrhage