Joe Abeywickrama passes away

21 September 2011 02:35 pm - 37 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Veteran award-winning actor Joe Abeywickrema who is regarded as one of the topmost character actors ever produced by the country, passed away this evening at the age of 84.

Born on June 22 in 1927 at Lellopitiya, Ratnapura , Gammana Patabendige Don John Abeywickrema studied at the Dippitigala Mix school and Ratnapura Seevali Vidyalaya.

He first acted in stage plays and made his film acting debut in ‘Deva Sundari’ in 1955 but six films were screened before his debut movie was released. Joe’s first film to be screened was ‘Saradam’ followed by 'Awishwasaya', 'Sri 296' and others including a large number of award winning movies.

Among the noteworthy movies he acted in were 'Welikathara', 'Ranmuthuduwa', 'Parasathumal', 'Thungmang Handiya', 'Beddegama', 'Sikuruliya', 'Aswesuma', 'Purahanda Kaluwara' and others.

He has acted in more than 100 films and is the only Sri Lankan actors to have won an international award for the ‘Best Actor’ at the Singapore International Film Festival for 'Purahanda Kaluwara'.

He has won almost all prestigious awards in Sri Lanka for his outstanding acting talents.

Funeral arrangements will be notified later but his remains will lie at the Jayaratne Funeral parlour Borella from tomorrow afternoon. (Ramesh Uvais)

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Comments - 37

Lanke Banda Thursday, 22 September 2011 07:55 AM

A Great Man does not ask for Banquets. From the comments here proves what a Great personality you have been. As for me you come right on top of Lanka's most talented natural screen stars. You will be missed dearly & sadly.
May you attain the higest bliss - Nibbana.

joseph machado Thursday, 22 September 2011 04:47 AM

my deeest sympathies.

Leslie Thursday, 22 September 2011 05:14 AM

A versatile actor who entertained with his sublime humour. You are not one to be easily forgotten.
Deepest sympathies to the members of the family.

ABHISHEK RAM Thursday, 22 September 2011 05:15 AM

Into each life some rain must fall but sunshine does appear.
It brings with it a rainbow and a message that is clear.
Please know that you are not alone that we all hold you dear
Let faith & hope into your heart and keep your memories near
to the "GREAT HERO"
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE

manjula Thursday, 22 September 2011 05:26 AM

Deepest sympathies to the members of the family.
U always live in ur hearts...love u
May attain Nibbana.

unbeliveble Thursday, 22 September 2011 05:40 AM

Versatile genuine character. Thanks for the entertainment provided. Please come again.

This is country where even you see dislikes just for aprreciate a great man .

Invictusrilankan Thursday, 22 September 2011 05:45 AM

The end of an Era! He was the last of his kind I think... Now all we have left is one shot one and his gang of poofs! May you find peace dear Sir ;-(

Labby Thursday, 22 September 2011 05:46 AM

Through His Divine Mercy may the Lord grant his soul eternal rest.

gamini perera Thursday, 22 September 2011 07:19 AM

Deepest sympathy for one of the veteran Actors produced by Sri Lanka, May he attain Nibbana

gamini perera Thursday, 22 September 2011 07:28 AM

One of the best Actors of our country. My deepest sympathy. May he attain Nibbana.

piyal Thursday, 22 September 2011 04:43 AM

At times it was always difficult to figure out who is best between Gamini and Joe - Joe second to non thats for sure
thanks for giving us a wonderful cinematic culture which we never forget - above all a good down to earth man
god bless you

reanuke Thursday, 22 September 2011 08:23 AM

he is the best actor in the whole world i never forget him.

reanuke Thursday, 22 September 2011 08:25 AM

obata niwan suwa labewaa

Suchithra Abeywickra Thursday, 22 September 2011 08:25 AM

We lost one the very best actor in Sinahala Cinema.No one to replace your place.
May attain Nibbana!!!!!!!

munidasa Thursday, 22 September 2011 08:48 AM

Hon. Joe, May you attain Nibbana

munidasa Thursday, 22 September 2011 08:57 AM

Hon. JOe,
May you have good birth and come back to our Mother Lanka again and also attain Nibbana

shantha Thursday, 22 September 2011 09:14 AM

Farewel Gentleman! We miss you ........so sad. People of your calibre will never be born here. God bless you.

BMM Thursday, 22 September 2011 09:42 AM

Welikahara and Desanisa - I don't think any actor would have performed so brilliantly in the way Joe did. Can be compared with any of the best actors in the world.

nawala nihal Thursday, 22 September 2011 10:04 AM

he never practiced dialog...at the set only he go through the dialog...great of the greatest in the sinhala screen...may you attain nibbana...

koka Wednesday, 21 September 2011 03:41 PM

oh... god take him and comfort him.... we know you take us when we are weak thanks !

Shanghi Wednesday, 21 September 2011 03:01 PM

Such a legend!!! You will always live in our hearts..

Konde Bendapucheenaa Wednesday, 21 September 2011 03:06 PM

One of the Best Actor Sri Lanka ever had,deepest condolences to the Family.Saravita,Welikathara,Siribo Ayya,Allapu Gedara,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Oh what a Lovely human being he is

Anver Wednesday, 21 September 2011 02:59 PM

One of the best actors our country has ever seen and will be sadly missed by all Sri Lankans.

shamendra Wednesday, 21 September 2011 03:01 PM

the most talented character i ve ever seen in sinhala cinema,

gamini sarathchandra Wednesday, 21 September 2011 03:27 PM

What an actor, you will be remembered for ever. Such an entertainer. we cannot think of any one elese of that caliber.
deepest condolences to the family. May attain Nibbana.

Ramesh Wednesday, 21 September 2011 03:22 PM

Good actor Our Deepest Sympathies...................

SHAN Wednesday, 21 September 2011 03:30 PM

""NIVAN SUWA LEBEWA.""
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES

Suren Wednesday, 21 September 2011 03:30 PM

Our Deepath Sympathies on demise of Legendary Actor Joe Abeywickrama.

From the family members of A C VADIVEL - Formally of Wales Theater Kandy.

dexter Wednesday, 21 September 2011 02:53 PM

Great actor.. my deepest sympathies...

Samantha Wednesday, 21 September 2011 03:42 PM

May he attain Nibbana!!!

There are no more actors like you in the Sinhala Cinema.

Big Ears Wednesday, 21 September 2011 03:45 PM

An actor during my time. Really enjoyed movies you acted. May you rest in peace.

Chirath Wednesday, 21 September 2011 03:43 PM

Grate Actor.................
My deepest sympathy........

senna Wednesday, 21 September 2011 03:43 PM

May he attains his liberation from Sansara Dukkha.

meranchi Thursday, 22 September 2011 02:56 AM

greatest acct or in pass years ,pain full news for the silver screen lovers, comport heart of friend & family members, offer my heart fell condoling RIP his soul may god bless all....

Sammy Thursday, 22 September 2011 03:35 AM

Where pure acting abilities are concerned, he was the best male actor in Sri Lanka. Big loss to the local film fraternity and enthusiast.

ill_moe Thursday, 22 September 2011 04:11 AM

R.I.P JOE... What an artist... will remember you forever. Thank you for those great memories....

Aruni Thursday, 22 September 2011 04:23 AM

A humble, genuine and a brilliant actor. We Sri Lankans have been truly privileged to have you in our cinema and will always remember your great performances. May God grant you eternal rest!

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Joe Abeywickrama passes away

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