Jonathan Crombie
A Canadian actor forever immortalized as the charming, carrot-topped Gilbert Blythe, the beloved literary rival and sweetheart of Anne Shirley.
1966–2015 (age 49)·Canadian actor and voice actor·Birthday: October 12·Generation X
Biography
For millions who grew up with the CBC's 'Anne of Green Gables' adaptations, Jonathan Crombie didn't just play Gilbert Blythe—he was Gilbert. With his earnest gaze and that signature red hair, Crombie perfectly captured the competitive schoolboy who evolves into Anne's steadfast intellectual equal and romantic destiny. The role, landed when he was just 18, defined his career in the public eye, though he worked steadily beyond it. He built a respected career in theatre, appearing in productions across Canada and on Broadway, and lent his voice to numerous animated series and audiobooks. Crombie possessed a warm, intelligent presence that made him a natural for both period drama and contemporary comedy. His untimely death in 2015 was felt deeply by fans of the Anne series, who continue to cherish his gentle, definitive portrayal of one of literature's great romantic heroes.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Jonathan was born in 1966, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jonathan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1966
#1 Movie
The Bible: In the Beginning
Best Picture
A Man for All Seasons
#1 TV Show
Bonanza
Jonathan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1966Born
Star Trek premieres on television
Gas: $0.32/galHome: $14,200Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"The Ballad of the Green Berets" — SSgt Barry SadlerBest Picture: A Man for All Seasons
1971Started school
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1979Became a teenager
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1982Could drive
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1984Could vote
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1987Turned 21
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1996Turned 30
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2006Turned 40
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Died at 49
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the iconic role of Gilbert Blythe in the CBC's 'Anne of Green Gables' (1985) and its two sequels.
- Performed on Broadway in the political drama 'The Crucible' alongside Laura Linney in 2002.
- Had a prolific voice-acting career, contributing to series like 'Sailor Moon,' 'Beyblade,' and 'The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin.'
- Maintained a consistent stage career in Canadian theatre, including performances at the Stratford Festival.
Did You Know?
He was the son of former Canadian politician and Ontario Lieutenant-Governor David Crombie.
Crombie was an accomplished pianist and originally considered a career in music.
He reprised the role of Gilbert Blythe twice, in 'Anne of Avonlea' (1987) and 'Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story' (2000).
In addition to acting, he also worked as a writer and director for the stage.
“I think you'll find I'm a much better friend than an enemy.”
