Written by By Carly Weeks, CNN
Actor Lou Cutell, best known for his role on “Grey’s Anatomy,” has died. He was 43.
Cutell played Dr. James McDreamy on “Grey’s Anatomy” from 2001 until 2013. McDreamy was a high-flying plastic surgeon, often seen pushing a wheeled gurney filled with patients. His character was a strong and idealistic character with a dramatic exit from the show.
“Jeanie and I are devastated by the loss of our beloved son and brother Lou Cutell,” his parents said in a statement. “We appreciate the outpouring of support and ask that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this difficult time.”
According to his LinkedIn page, Cutell had recently been filming “Grey’s Anatomy: After Shonda,” the spinoff show starring Chandra Wilson and Kevin McKidd.
Actor William Devane, who played a fictional version of Jack Bauer in the Fox series “24,” said on Twitter he was “heartbroken” about Cutell’s death.
Hana Naeim tweeted a link to a 1997 documentary about Cutell, who had just graduated from the University of Southern California, called “Lost & Found.”
“The genius of Lou Cutell is that his compassion was his weapon,” Naeim wrote. “That’s what made him so endearing. Keep breathing, Lou.”
Celebrities paid tribute online to Cutell, saying he made them laugh and cry.
“Heartbroken to hear of the death of Lou Cutrell. Sending love to his family & loving thoughts to Jeff Buhler who put this family in my home,” Judd Apatow wrote on Twitter.
Melissa Rauch, who plays Bernadette on the CBS show “The Big Bang Theory,” wrote: “Today is my worst nightmare. RIP Lou Cutrell.”
Comedian Roseanne Barr said Cutrell “was more than just a wonderful actor I loved him. He was like a big brother. He was the only actor that made me never feel like I had to feel like going to bed. He was the funniest man i’ve ever met and the coolest.”
“Grey’s Anatomy” cast member Kevin McKidd, who played Owen Hunt on the show, expressed his grief on Instagram.
“I’m heartbroken at the loss of my friend Lou Cutrell,” he wrote. “I’m bringing most of this on myself as I think Lou was the best on set. One of the sweetest souls I’ve ever known. Had a huge smile that lit up any room and didn’t know how to relax. Thank you Lou for your loving and generous voice and presence and your spirit.”
Cutrell is survived by his parents Jeanie and George Cutrell, his brother Alex Cutrell, his mother Julie Lake, his brother and sister Lynn and Mike Cutrell, and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jean and Bill Devane.