That Beautiful Somewhere actor dies Update

File photo of actors Gordon Tootoosis (l) and Lindsay Cote (r) at Memorial Gardens in November, 2005 during the filming of That Beautiful Somewhere.

Family members of the 'That Beautiful Somewhere' actor Gordon Tootoosis confirmed that the actor died Tuesday afternoon.

“It is with deep sadness I learned of the death of Gordon Tootoosis,” Bill Plumstead, That Beautiful Somewhere producer notes in a statement to BayToday.

"We all got to know and enjoy Gordon on the set of "That Beautiful Somewhere." He was friendly with crew and cast alike and had a great sense of wry humor.”

“He loved North Bay and frequently went shopping. A friend of mine, a bank teller, told me she just about fell over when he arrived at her desk; she knew him instantly and tried not to gush too much. He was so kind and generous and mumbled something about she must have meant the other Tootoosis, his twin. But the sparkle in his eye gave his cover away and she remembers saying something like "no, no, Mr. Tootoosis; I don't think there's a twin."

“I wish we could bring him back for another production, but the fates have ruled otherwise. I and my colleagues on the shoot, will miss knowing that he's no longer with us. He was a fine actor, a gentle man, a friendly man, a pleasure to work with.”

“He was an inspiration to young aboriginal actors who have a model to follow. The film industry in Canada is a little sad today.”

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Tootoosis, first film role was alongside Donald Sutherland in the 1972 movie Alien Thunder. He went on to star in dozens of films and television series since including North of 60, Legends of the Fall, Lone Star and Crazy Horse. As well as Disney’s Pocahontas and the locally produced feature film That Beautiful Somewhere that was filmed in North Bay and Temagami in November and December, 2005.

As a child Tootoosis was taken from his home and placed in a Residential Schools where he endured harsh treatment and forbidden to speak his language. Before pursuing a movie career as an adult the Saskatchewan born actor was a social worker and a band chief.

Tootoosis, a founding member of the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company, was awarded membership in the Order of Canada on October 29, 2004

The cause of death is unknown at this time.

He was 69.

For more on the legendary actor please go to your preferred national entertainment outlet.