Vancouver film industry mourns loss of Stewart McLean, praises his joyful spirit

Missing man Stewart McLean is seen in this image shared by police. On May 20, 2026, homicide investigators took over his case. (Squamish RCMP)

VANCOUVER — Tributes and condolences have been flooding social media from Vancouver’s film industry after the remains of British Columbia actor Stewart McLean were found in a community just north of Vancouver.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said the body was found during a search of the Lions Bay area, where McLean lived.

The 45-year-old actor was reported missing Monday after last being seen May 15, and he last appeared onscreen in one episode of the Netflix TV series “Virgin River” released in March.

Jennifer Lee, an agent with Vancouver’s Lucas Talent Inc., says she had the pleasure of working with McLean since 2014, and he was “the most positive, kind, funny, chill” person you could ever know.

Lee says McLean embraced each acting project with “enthusiasm and joy.”

Writer and director Ryan Minaker says he felt blessed to have McLean in his life.

Minaker says he met McLean when he auditioned for one of his projects, and for the last decade, McLean was a “constant example” of “raw talent, stealing the show in every project while remaining professional, humble and approachable.”

“He had the most contagious laugh. I’ll miss our long chats and creative collaborations. Blessed to have so many great memories but sad there won’t be more. Stew was a wonderful soul,” said Minaker in a Facebook post.

“I miss my friend. Condolences to the McLean family.”

Police said this week that the actor, who appeared on series such as “Virgin River” and “Murder in a Small Town,” may have been the victim of a homicide.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 23, 2026.