'Trailer Park Boys' actor John Dunsworth dies at 71

Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Canadian actor John Dunsworth, best known for his role as Jim Lahey on the television show Trailer Park Boys, has died, his family announced Monday. He was 71.

"With heavy and broken hearts, the family of John F. Dunsworth would like to let people know that out amazing husband, father and grandfather John Dunsworth has passed away," said his daughter, Sarah Dunsworth, on Twitter. "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."

Aside from his television work, Dunsworth was recognized as one of Canada's most revered theater actors. He also ran a casting company and discovered future actor Ellen Page when she was 10.

But it was Dunsworth's comedic role as Lahey, an ex-cop trailer park supervisor with a heavy drinking problem and an abrasive demeanor, that won him may fans, including fellow comedians, who mourned his passing.

"So sad. RIP John Dunsworth. One of the finest men and most brilliant actors I've ever had the honor to work with," tweeted comedian and actor Tom Arnold.

"John Dunsworth has passed, a Canadian icon, my theatre teacher, a loving father, husband, and a friend to many, you will be greatly missed," tweeted Bernard Robichaud, an actor on Trailer Park Boys.