Julien Arnold was a gifted actor, director, and teacher who graced most of Edmonton’s stages for 30 years. He was a respected and dedicated member of the theatre community, according to edmonton-trend.com.
Conquering the Stage
Born and raised in Edmonton, Julien lived for a time in Tanzania with his English parents and grandparents. In 1969, his family moved back to Edmonton. He attended Georges P. Vanier Secondary School before enrolling at the University of Alberta, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1989. In 2006, he furthered his education, obtaining a Master of Fine Arts in directing. Arnold’s acting career truly took off in 1990 when he debuted at the Citadel Theatre as Feste in “Twelfth Night.” From there, offers poured in from various directors, and Julien eagerly embraced every opportunity to delight his fans. He went on to play Bob Cratchit and later Scrooge, along with participating in countless other productions, including Tom Wood’s musical “Make Mine Love,” “Sense and Sensibility,” “Evangeline,” “Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and many more. As a co-founder of the Free Will Players theatre troupe, Arnold regularly appeared in their summer Shakespearean productions, including “The Merchant of Venice” and “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” He was also a member of the Teatro La Quindicina company, starring in numerous comedies by Stewart Lemoine, such as “Cocktails at Pam’s,” “The Glittering Heart” (1990), and “Happy Toes” (2008). His portrayal of the artist in “Picasso” at the Edmonton Fringe Festival was particularly captivating, earning him a Sterling Award for Outstanding Fringe Performance. In 2018, the actor played an unhappy yet optimistic vacuum cleaner salesman in Collin Doyle’s “Slumberland Motel.” His improvised, joyous balletic pas de deux was highlighted by Liz Nicholls in her review of “12th Night” as one of the production’s bright spots. Nicholls specifically noted that Arnold delivered a brilliant, unsentimental portrayal of old age with all its harsh realities. His character was pragmatic, stubborn, and prone to fits. Arnold’s performance softened only in flashbacks, as Grandpa Bud stepped out of his car, pausing his journey to recall specific moments of his life connected to his late wife and his passion for music.
Later Years
Arnold also performed at Workshop West Theatre and Theatre Network. For his own company, The Atlas Theatre Collective, founded in 2008, he directed Martin McDonagh’s play “Going to St. Ives.” In 2019, The Atlas Collective presented “Mesa,” in which Arnold convincingly portrayed a 93-year-old widower traveling from Alberta to Arizona with his young nephew. His unwavering commitment to his art and community shone through in his numerous roles and contributions to local productions. Over the years, Arnold became an integral part of Edmonton’s theatre scene, bringing depth and authenticity to every character he brought to life. Arnold’s legacy is defined by his steadfast dedication to his craft and his community. His work with the Free Will Players and his performances in countless productions left an indelible mark on Edmonton’s theatrical landscape. On November 24, 2024, during a performance of “A Christmas Carol” at the Citadel Stage, Julien Arnold passed away. His sudden death was a shock to colleagues and fans alike, serving as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of cherishing every day. The creative spirit of this remarkable individual continues to live on in the hearts of many.
