On April 15, 2015, actor Jonathan Crombie tragically passed away at the young age of 48. Beloved around the world for his performance as the handsome Gilbert Blythe in the Anne of Green Gables series, he will always be remembered.
Like many other women who grew up watching the Anne series from Kevin Sullivan, Gilbert Blythe quickly became my romantic ideal. Who wouldn’t want someone as kind, clever, and loving as Gilbert?
RELATED: Typing Fictional Characters: Anne of Green Gables
Gilbert is intelligent, witty, and also profoundly loyal and respectful of Anne’s ambitions. Plus, he’s self-sacrificing with a great sense of humor and a lot of integrity. Not to mention he’s quite charming – in a sincere way.
Then, of course, there was that longing gaze Jonathan Crombie perfected long before Colin Firth in Pride and Prejudice. But he wasn’t just all about Anne either. He had his own ambitions to become a doctor and surgeon, and that’s precisely what he did.
What makes him so memorable is that Anne and Gilbert can be best friends while also being in love as they climb the alpine path of life and success together.
So, in honor of Jonathan Crombie, we decided to focus on some of Gilbert’s best moments as a way of paying tribute to Jonathan for the joy he brought to us and will continue to bring for years to come.
20 Memorable Gilbert Blythe Scenes
(in chronological order)
#1: FIRST MEETING
The first time Anne and Gilbert meet during a race at the picnic. When Anne and Diana win, Gilbert gives Anne a little “wink,” much to her embarrassment!
#2: CARROTS
In this infamous scene, Gilbert calls Anne “carrots” and pulls on her braid. Humiliated, she loses her temper and breaks a slate over his head.
#3: THE LOVING GAZE
In love with Anne from the beginning, Gilbert lovingly gazes at Anne from afar.
#4: THE DANCE CARD
After purposely snubbing Anne at the dance, Gilbert steals Anne’s dance card, proving where his heart really lies.
#5: FISHING FOR LAKE TROUT
Gilbert rescues Anne as she clings to the bridge after her canoe fills up with water. In this delightful exchange between two very prideful characters, they finally become friends.
#6: ENCORE
After the audience calls Anne back for an encore, Gilbert is the first to give Anne a standing ovation for her performance. No one’s prouder of Anne’s talents than Gilbert is.
#7: THE GRAND GESTURE
Gilbert gives up the Avonlea School for Anne (a grand gesture of his love), all so Anne can stay at Green Gables and help out after Matthew passes away. He then affectionately calls her “carrots” as he caresses her face.
#8: FLIRTING
Anne confesses to Gilbert (in exchange for information about Diana) that she wants to be a published author, and he couldn’t be more excited. He then tells Anne about Diana’s engagement to Fred and tests the water with Anne about her feelings for him by saying: “If someone ever admitted that they were head over heels for you, you’d be swept off your feet in a moment.”
Of course, Anne denies this and defies anyone who would try and change her. Gilbert sees this as a challenge he’s up for. The two then race against each other on their bikes, only for Gilbert to end up face planting into a pond.
#9: WRITING ADVICE
With a ready opinion, Gilbert gives Anne unwanted writing advice, which leads to an angry outburst from Anne, who has hurt feelings. But it’s here he begins to inspire Anne to write about the people of Avonlea.
What’s great about Gilbert is that he tells her like it is without being wholly insensitive.
#10: A DANCE AND A PROPOSAL
Gilbert watches Anne waltzing alone. He joins her for a dance, which then leads to a proposal. Unfortunately, Anne turns him down. Poor Gil!
#11: DON’T FORGET ME
With Gilbert engaged to Christine and Anne working as a teacher away from Avonlea, you’re not expecting these two to bump into each other. But when they do, it’s obvious Anne has begun to realize her own feelings for Gilbert.
And it’s obvious Gilbert’s heart still belongs to Anne. “Goodbye, Anne,” he says as they hug.
“Goodbye, Gil,” she says.
“Don’t forget me,” he tells her as he leaves. He sneaks one last glance at her and walks away.
He leaves her with a note: “Congratulations on your success, Carrots. From your old chum, Gilbert.”
#12 GOODBYE
Right after, Anne runs after Gil to thank him. She catches him just in time on the train. “Goodbye!” Anne calls out as he waves goodbye. “Goodbye Anne,” he calls back as the train fades away into the distance.
#13: THE ONLY ONE
On his death bed, Anne gives Gilbert a copy of her published book about the people of Avonlea. She dedicated it to him for giving her the idea in the first place.
He reveals that he broke off his engagement with Christine because Anne is the only one for him.
#14: MARBLE HALLS
Gilbert recovers from his illness and goes to see Anne. The two walk to the bridge, where they share (perhaps) their most memorable exchange.
“I hope you keep on dreaming. It will be three years before I finish medical school, and even then, there won’t be any diamond sunbursts or marble halls.”
Anne then replies in return: “I don’t want any sunbursts or marble halls. I just want you.” And then they kiss in the perfect, romantic moment we’d all been waiting for.
#15: REUNION
After much time apart (and 13 years for us viewers), Anne and Gilbert reunite on the beach. Anne writes in her journal, “In memory of perfect summer days of old. Our past, our friends-“ and then stops when she sees Gilbert.
They stare at each other and run to embrace, only for Anne to clumsily fall face-first into the sand. The two have matured and grown but still love each other.
#16: GILBERT’S PRINCIPLES
Gilbert stands up for his principles and refuses to lower his integrity to become a renowned surgeon. He’d rather be a good Doctor and tells Anne he wants to return home to Avonlea.
#17: MARRY ME
When Green Gables partially burns down, Gilbert asks Anne to “marry me now.”
#18: WEDDING
Anne and Gilbert FINALLY get married. For their wedding dance, they waltz to “Let me Call You Sweetheart.”
#19: LET ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART
Anne and Gilbert once again find each other. Gilbert was missing in action, so Anne traveled far and wide to find him in the midst of World War I. In a crowded street (as she sings their wedding song), she spots him. Anne and Gilbert make their way to each other across the crowd embracing for a hug and a tearful reunion.
#20. GREEN GABLES
Anne and Gilbert return to Green Gables to visit, where it all started with their new adopted child in hand. They begin their long life together, planning to have a family and a life full of imagination.
What were some of your favorite Gilbert Blythe scenes? Did you love Jonathan Crombie as Gilbert Blythe in Anne of Green Gables as much as I did? Share your memories below.
Photos: Sullivan Entertainment
PIN THIS ARTICLE! AND MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW US ON PINTEREST.
Wonderful list! This makes me want to re-watch these all over again. 🙂
Thanks! Yeah, I’m in the mood now for a marathon.
I just can say he seemed to be a kindred spirit.
I have always loved “Anne of Green Gables”!! This list just makes me want to cry of joy and sadness!!!
Yes, me too! It will always be my personal favorite. And thank you for your thoughts. 🙂 That’s pretty much how I felt putting this list together.
I think Lucas Zumann in the recent Anne with an E series is a far more charismatic and sensu a l Gilbert Blythe. I just hope Netflix resume the series for a 4th seadon
A 4th season would be lovely! And Lucas is a wonderful Gilbert. But this list was made as a dedication to Jonathan Crombie because he tragically passed away. And many of us love him as the character. But everyone will have their favorite version of a character. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
With Anne of Green Gables, it actually takes place in my home province; it’s actually quite popular (especially during the summer.)
What a beautiful place to be from!
I still can’t believe that Jonathan Crombie passed away :'( He will always be Gilbert in my heart.
I know. He’ll always be Gilbert to me too.
Thank you for those memorable Gilbert moments throughout the 3 Anne movies. Glad that u included the third movie. Jonathon Crombie truly embodied Gilbert’s character. I heard Jonathon in real life was a very sweet, talented, kind & funny man. He will always be the only Gilbert for me. Jonathon & Megan were the best Anne & Gilbert. Kudos to Kevin Sullivan for picking the perfect characters
My heart is shattered, absolutely broken. Never was there a more beautiful man. With no previous acting experience, he delivered a perfect, sensual performance. He must also have possessed
In addition to his beautiful physical presence, he must have possessed an enormous emotional strength of character. With no previous acting experience, he delivered a perfect, flawless, achingly real performance. He could make me weep. I wish he had remained in films longer than he did,, but the stage is where he felt most at home. Good-by darling Gil/Jonathan. May you fly with the Angels.
Reading the 8-book set as an adult is my guilty summer pleasure…less than a week to go & only on book 6. wish the series were more true to the books, though. Having fun hunting down all related titles.