KEY POINTS

  • Brent Carver, best known for his work in "The Kiss of the Spider Woman," died in his home in Canada on Tuesday
  • The cause of the 68-year-old’s death has not been revealed
  • Celebrities such as Chita Rivera and Carolee Carmello paid tribute to Carver on social media

Broadway star Brent Carver, who won a Tony Award for his performance in "The Kiss of the Spider Woman," has passed away at the age of 68.

The Canadian actor died on Tuesday in his home in Cranbrook, British Columbia, his family said in a statement on Facebook. The cause of his death has not been 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,” the statement read.

“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,” the message continued. “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.”

Carver began his stage career in 1972 and went on to find success in both television and movies.

Carver has appeared in movies such as “Crossbar,” “The Wars,” “Millennium” and “The Event.” His television credits include “Due South,” “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Save Me.”

But it was his performances on stage that made him a legend.

Aside from “The Kiss of the Spider Woman,” Carver was also known for his role in “Parade.” His other stage productions include “Fiddler on the Roof,” “King Lear,” “Lord of the Rings,” “Elephant Man,” “As You Like It” and “Romeo and Juliet.”

Brent Carver
Actor Brent Carver performs at the Stratford Festival Gala 2017 at Four Seasons Hotel on September 18, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. Getty Images/Ernesto Di Stefano

In 2014, Carver was recognized with the Governor General's Performing Arts Award, Canada's highest honor in the performing arts, for his contribution to theater.

Carver has been associated with Ontario’s Stratford Festival for nine seasons, and his most recent appearance was in 2017’s “Twelfth Night” and “The School of Scandal.”

“We are devastated to learn of the death of Brent Carver,” the Stratford said in a statement. “He was the best of us and represented the best in us. 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.”

Following Carver's death, a number of celebrities took to Twitter to mourn his passing and pay tribute to the actor.

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