John Dunsworth was Mr. Lahey
HALIFAX — Actor John Dunsworth, known for his portrayal of Jim Lahey in the comedy series “Trailer Park Boys” and revered as a brilliant actor with a warm heart, has died.He was 71.
The news was confirmed in a statement posted on his Twitter feed Monday evening.
“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,” the statement said.
“John left this world peacefully after a short and unexpected illness. The family would like to request that our privacy is respected during this time of grief.”
Dunsworth’s daughter Sarah, who is also a co-star of the “Trailer Park Boys,” shared the same statement on her own Twitter feed.
Dunsworth, originally from Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, is known for his portrayal of Mr. Lahey on the “Trailer Park Boys,” a frequently drunk former police officer turned trailer park supervisor.
He was also involved in community theatre for decades.
A post on the “Trailer Park Boys” Facebook page Monday evening said: “We’re all in shock and heartbroken by the sudden loss of our dear friend.”
Condolences for the beloved actor were pouring in on social media, including several from his fellow “Trailer Park Boys” cast members.
Mike Smith, known as Bubbles on the “Trailer Park Boys,” tweeted that he is “beyond devastated.”
“John was a beautiful guy. Brilliant and fascinating. I am forever grateful for having known him. RIP my friend,” Smith said.
Actor Bernard Robichaud, who portrays Cyrus on the show, called Dunsworth a Canadian icon.
“My theatre teacher, a loving father, husband, and a friend to many, you will be greatly missed,” he wrote on Twitter.
American comedian Tom Arnold also expressed his sympathies, writing on Twitter: “So sad. RIP John Dunsworth. One of the finest men and most brilliant actors I’ve ever had the honour to work with.”
Fans were recalling some of his most notorious moments on the “Trailer Park Boys,” including when Mr. Lahey declared: “I am the liquor.”
Dunsworth was also known for playing reporter Dave Teagues on the supernatural drama series, “Haven.”
Dunsworth was nominated for a Genie Award for best supporting actor in the film “Trailer Park Boys Countdown to Liquor Day.”
Outside of acting he ran unsuccessfully in the 1988 Nova Scotia general election for the NDP party finishing third.
Unlike his most famous character, Dunsworth seldom drank alcohol but admitted to struggling with gambling addiction and lobbied unsuccessfully for years to have video lottery terminals removed from bars in Halifax.
During breaks in shooting, he and his co-star Pat Roach (Randy) would often tour the country in character doing a stand-up routine.
The two performed at The Opal Nightclub on Canada Day in 2013.