Tributes paid to Once Upon a Time star Chris Gauthier

Actor Chris Gauthier moved to British Columbia from Dunstable when he was five years old

Figures from the entertainment industry have paid tribute to actor Chris Gauthier who has died aged 48.

Luton-born Gauthier was known for playing Smee in fantasy adventure series Once Upon a Time.

Talent representative Chad Colvin said he was a "textbook definition of a character actor".

"You may not have known his name but you knew his face... if he was on screen, you were in for a helluva ride," he said.

In a statement, Tristar Appearances/Event Horizon Talent confirmed Gauthier died on Friday following a brief illness.

It continued: "His loss is felt not just by his fans but by those of us who were lucky enough to know him more personally.

"On behalf of his family, we ask for privacy during this time so that they are able to grieve properly."

Mr Colvin, from Tristar Appearances, said Gauthier "always gave it his all when the camera was rolling".

Gauthier starred as Smee in Once Upon a Time

The actor, who moved from Dunstable to British Columbia, Canada, aged five, was also known for his work on the 2006 video game Need for Speed: Carbon.

He made appearances in TV programmes such as Superman-inspired show Smallville and 67 episodes of Syfy channel's Eureka.

His film credits included Watchmen, Agent Cody Banks and Freddy vs Jason.

On Instagram, his Once Upon a Time co-star Colin O'Donoghue said he was heartbroken.

The Captain Hook actor said: "You will be missed brother! You were the real captain!"