The disappearance of Canadian actor Stewart McLean is now being treated as a possible homicide, investigators say. McLean, 45, who recently appeared as a barfly in an episode of the hit Netflix series Virgin River, has not been seen since May 15.
The Edmonton-born actor was last seen at his home in Lions Bay, British Columbia, according to reports. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Squamish subsequently received a missing person report on May 18.
On May 20, RCMP announced that they had turned the case over to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), who believe that McLean may have been the victim of a homicide. In a statement, Squamish RCMP said: “On May 20, IHIT deployed and assumed conduct of the investigation. Squamish RCMP continues to work closely with IHIT and the Integrated Forensic Identification Service to advance the investigation.”
The statement continues: “Squamish RCMP initiated an investigation and, through investigative efforts, uncovered evidence that led investigators to believe Mr. McLean was victim of homicide.” Police went on to encourage anyone with information to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp–grc.gc.ca.
McLean is described as being 45 years old, 5ft 10 in and 150 pounds. He has grey hair and blue eyes.
Shortly after he was first reported missing, the RCMP said in a statement that they “are very concerned for Stewart's health and well-being.”
The actor, who has often been credited as Stew McLean, has been working in the industry for over a decade. His earliest credits include an appearance in the 2016 television film Signed, Sealed, Delivered: One in a Million, the DC superhero show Arrow and the fantasy series Supernatural.
McLean’s more recent credits include an episode of the Canadian series Murder in a Small Town and the crime drama Happy Face. He has also regularly appeared in short films and worked as a producer, and has often filmed near Vancouver, including on Bowen Island and in Squamish.
The Netflix series Virgin River was developed by Sue Tenney as an adaptation of the book series of the same name by Robyn Carr. The series follows a nurse practitioner who moves from Los Angeles to the remote Northern California town of Virgin River, where she discovers a tight-knit community. The romantic drama films in British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province. The show proved a hit for the streaming service after debuting in 2019. Its seventh season premiered March 12, 2026.
