Actor Jonathan Crombie, best known for his portrayal of the handsome Gilbert Blythe on the Anne of Green Gables television miniseries, passed away on April 15 of a brain hemorrhage, according to the Associated Press.

His sister, Carrie Crombie, revealed to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday that her brother had died in New York City earlier in the week. She lamented his passing while highlighting the passion and love he always brought to his work.

“He was funny, he was sweet, he loved acting, he loved comedy and singing and dancing,” she told the Canadian news network. “As a little kid, he just loved Broadway shows and all of that kind of stuff and would sing and dance in the living room.”

The Anne of Green Gables miniseries, based off of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s famous and much-beloved 1908 novel, premiered on PBS in 1985, becoming an instant hit. Crombie’s characher, Gilbert Blythe, was the handsome (though initially arrogant) love interest of the titular heroine, played by Megan Fellows. Crombie also starred in the series’ two sequels: Anne of Avonlea and Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story.

Many fans posted their mourning on social media after hearing of Crombie’s death, often revealing that Gilbert Blythe had been their first adolescent crush.

In addition to the miniseries, Crombie acted in many other projects. He appeared on Broadway in The Drowsy Chaperone in 2007 and was a staple in the cult Canadian series Slings and Arrows. He recently guest-starred in an episode of the latest season of The Good Wife.