John Dunsworth, a long-time actor from Canada likely best known for his role as Jim Lahey on the sitcom The Trailer Park Boys, died Monday.
He was 71 years old.
No official cause of death has been confirmed, with The Hollywood Reporter citing an “unknown illness” as the basis for Dunsworth passing.
The sad news was relayed on social media by the popular actor’s daughter.
“With heavy and broken hearts the family of John F. Dunsworth would like to let people know that our amazing husband, father and grandfather John Dunsworth has passed away,” Sarah Dunsworth wrote on her dad’s Twitter page.
She added:
“John left this world peacefully after a short and unexpected illness. The family would like to request that our privacy is respected in our time of grief.”
Dunsworth was part of the original cast of Trailer Park Boys, a Canadian sitcom that has run for 11 seasons, portraying park supervisor Jim Lahey on the series.
You may also recognize him from his time as newspaper editor Dave Teagues on Syfy’s Haven.
Dunsworth’s other TV credits included Forgive Me, Lexx, and Pit Pony, where he acted alongside a 10 year-old Ellen Page, along with The Jim Henson Hour.
However, he was best known as the trailer park supervisor on the Trailer Park Boys, the nemesis for Ricky, Julian and Bubbles, a threesome of stoners played by John Paul Tremblay, Robb Wells and Mike Smith.
Dunsworth was born in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia on April 12, 1946.
He started his career in show business on the stage, actually turning a dilapidated waterfront building into Pier One Theatre, an alternative theater company, The Hollywood Reporter states.
Wrote the with the official Trailer Park Boys Twitter account in the wake of his passing:
“We’re in shock and heartbroken by the sudden loss of our dear friend John Dunsworth. We respect the family’s wishes for privacy at this time.”
Added co-star Bubbles on his Twitter:
“I am beyond devastated. John was a beautiful guy. Brilliant and fascinating. I am forever grateful for having known him. RIP my friend.”
We send our condolences to the friends, family members and loved ones of John Dunsworth.
May he rest in peace.
