Canadian authorities say the “Virgin River” actor disappeared days before his remains were discovered near Lions Bay, British Columbia.
LIONS BAY, British Columbia — Canadian actor Stewart McLean, known for appearances in “Virgin River,” “Arrow” and other television series filmed in Vancouver, was found dead this week after being reported missing days earlier, prompting a homicide investigation by authorities in British Columbia.
Investigators said McLean, 45, was last seen May 15 at his residence in Lions Bay, a small coastal community north of Vancouver. Police received a missing-person report May 18 after friends and colleagues became concerned when the actor failed to appear for scheduled commitments. By May 20, investigators said evidence gathered during the search led them to believe McLean had been the victim of homicide. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, known as IHIT, took over the case as officers worked to establish a timeline of his final days.
Authorities announced May 22 that McLean’s remains had been located in the Lions Bay area. Police did not publicly describe the condition of the remains or disclose where specifically they were found, but investigators said forensic specialists and the British Columbia Coroners Service were assisting with the case. The announcement ended several days of growing concern among friends and members of Vancouver’s television community, where McLean had built a steady career through supporting roles and production work.
Actor and acting coach Jeff Seymour, who said he had known McLean for about eight years, described the disappearance as immediately alarming because of McLean’s reputation for reliability and discipline. Seymour said he became concerned after learning McLean had failed to appear for a scheduled filming session the previous weekend. “He was meticulous about everything,” Seymour said in interviews published Friday. “As soon as I heard he didn’t make it on Saturday morning, I knew there was big trouble.” Seymour added that McLean was highly aware of his surroundings and lived quietly, making the circumstances difficult for friends to understand.
McLean worked primarily in Canadian and American television productions filmed in British Columbia, a region that has become a major production hub for streaming and network dramas. His credits included guest appearances in Netflix’s “Virgin River,” CW’s “Arrow,” “Supernatural,” “The 100,” and Fox’s “Murder in a Small Town.” He was sometimes credited professionally as Stew McLean and also held producing credits on independent and television projects filmed in Western Canada. Colleagues described him as personable, prepared and deeply connected to Vancouver’s acting community, where many performers move between productions throughout the year.
The actor’s disappearance drew increasing concern after police publicly appealed for information earlier in the week. The Squamish Royal Canadian Mounted Police initially described officers as “very concerned” for McLean’s well-being. After investigators uncovered evidence suggesting foul play, the case was transferred to IHIT, a specialized agency that handles homicide investigations in British Columbia. Investigators said they were reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing potential witnesses and collecting forensic evidence to reconstruct McLean’s movements before May 15. Officials have not announced any arrests, named suspects or identified a possible motive.
Friends and representatives continued to share tributes after confirmation of McLean’s death. His talent agency said in a public statement that McLean had been represented for more than a decade and was respected throughout the local film and television industry. Representatives described him as professional, humorous and kind. Seymour also recalled a recent visit with McLean in Los Angeles, where the actor spent time driving with friends along Mulholland Drive while singing songs from the 1960s and 1970s. “You were a good egg,” Seymour wrote in a social media tribute. “I’m grateful to have had you in my life.”
British Columbia has become one of North America’s busiest filming centers over the past two decades, earning the nickname “Hollywood North” because of the concentration of network dramas, streaming series and feature films produced in and around Vancouver. Actors such as McLean often worked across multiple productions each year, taking supporting roles while also contributing behind the scenes as producers, writers or crew members. Industry professionals said the close-knit nature of Vancouver’s television community amplified the shock surrounding McLean’s disappearance and death, particularly because many colleagues had worked with him repeatedly across different projects.
Authorities said the investigation remains active and that officers are continuing to seek information from anyone who may have interacted with McLean in the days before he disappeared. Investigators have not publicly detailed what evidence caused the case to shift from a missing-person investigation to a homicide probe. IHIT officials said forensic specialists are examining physical evidence while detectives continue interviews and attempt to establish a complete timeline. The BC Coroners Service is expected to assist in determining the official cause and manner of death once examinations are complete.
As of Friday evening, no suspects had been publicly identified and no charges had been announced. Investigators said the case was being treated as an isolated incident while officers continued to analyze evidence gathered in Lions Bay and surrounding areas. Authorities are expected to provide additional updates as the investigation progresses.
Author note: Last updated May 23, 2026.