Hallmark actor Noel Johansen fought back tears as he spoke at a public vigil just days after a devastating tragedy took the life of his wife and left his young daughter injured. Johansen, known for roles in Psych, Supernatural, Fargo, and The Good Doctor, stood on crutches as he addressed a grieving crowd, following a horrific incident in Vancouver on Saturday night.
His wife, 50-year-old Jenifer Darbellay, was among those killed when a driver—reported to be suffering from mental illness—deliberately drove an SUV into a crowd attending a festival celebrating Lapu Lapu Day, an event honoring Filipino heritage. The attack claimed the lives of 11 people, ranging in age from five to 65, and left dozens more injured, including Johansen’s 7-year-old daughter per Daily Mail.
“What you see here is an injury that means nothing to me because what’s inside my heart is broken.” Johansen said at Monday’s vigils while on crutches. “Because my wife passed away behind me at the incident.”
“She never celebrated herself in her life. She never thought of herself; she thought of herself as small in terms of the reach. And I can tell you she was larger than life for any of you who know her. So don’t be small in life, be big, reach out and reach out as a human being with everything you have, and please remember us who went through this.” Johansen is widely recognized for his work on the Hallmark Channel, with notable appearances in Garage Sale Mystery: All That Glitters, When Calls the Heart, Chesapeake Shores, Harvest Love, Reunited at Christmas, and Roux the Day: A Gourmet Detective Mystery.
Michael Daingerfield Hall, a close friend and business partner of Noel Johansen, created a GoFundMe to support Johansen and his children after a tragic incident on April 26. Noel’s wife, Jen Darbellay, was killed when an SUV drove into a crowd during the Lapu-Lapu Day celebration in Vancouver. Their 7-year-old daughter was also injured.
Michael describes Jen as a kind, artistic, and selfless woman who was deeply loved by her community. The fundraiser aims to help cover expenses such as funeral costs, travel for family, counseling, childcare, and daily living needs as Noel navigates this devastating loss. He asks for donations to ease the family’s burden during this incredibly difficult time.
