Joe Abeywickrama

Deshabandu Gammana Patabendige Don John Abeywickrama (Sinhala:ජෝ අබේවික්‍රම) (22 June 1927 – 21 September 2011), populalry as Joe Abeywickrama, was an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, theater and television.[1] Initially famed as a comedic actor in early 1950s, Abeywickrama became one of the greatest film actors of alltime in Sinhala cinema with several critically acclaimed award winning dramatic performances.[2][3][4][5]

Joe Abeywickrama
Born
Gammana Patabendige Don John Abeywickrama

June 22, 1927
Lellopitiya, Pelmadulla. Ratnapura
Died21 September 2011(2011-09-21) (aged 84)
NationalitySri Lankan
OccupationActor
Years active1955-2011
Known forCrowned king of Sri Lankan cinema
Notable work
Saraiya in Saravita
Vannihamy in Pura Handa Kaluwara
Silindu in Baddegama

He has won 18 Sarasavi Awards and Presidential Awards.[6] At the 1999 Singapore International Film Festival, Abeywickrama won a Silver Screen Award for Best Asian Actor for his portrayal of a grieving father in Pura Handa Kaluwara (English: Death on a Full Moon Day), a first for a Sri Lankan.[7]

He is also widely known as a Crowned king of Sri Lankan cinema history and he was the second to die of the three crowned cinema heroes. (the first cinema king to die was Gamini Fonseka and last of three to die was Tony Ranasinghe.[8] He is the first Sri Lankan actor to ever participated for Filmfare Film Festival, where he participated in 1966.[9]

Life and career

Early life

Gammana Patabendige Don John "Joe" Abeywickrama was born in Lellopitiya (near Ratnapura), Sri Lanka and grew up in a rural area. He was the eldest of four children. His surroundings instilled in him a strong appreciation of nature and hard work.[10]

Abeywickrama graduated from St. Aloysius' College and Sivali Central College in Ratnapura. In the 1940s he settled in Colombo and started working for Sirisena Wimalaweera's studio Nawajeewana. Initially limited to doing office chores, Abeywickrama eventually became involved in films screened in Ratnapura by the studio. He made contacts with film industry insiders while with the studio, and on his leave obtained a role in Devasundari.[11]

Film actor

Abeywickrama has acted in more than 150 films and began his acting career in stage plays and made his film acting debut in ‘Devasundari’ in 1955.[4] Abeywickrama's first notable role was in Saradama as an eccentric police officer who collected ants. He obtained the role with the help of his friend Florida Jayalath and considers it to be his first real role and a turning point in his career. After Saradama Abeywickrama was in demand as a comedic actor.[11]

Abeywickrama began taking more dramatic roles with Shesha Palihakkara's Saravita, an award-winning film. With D. B. Nihalsinghe's Welikathara Abeywickrama continued in this field. In the 1971 film he portrays the stern Goring Mudalali.[11] He also starred in Mahagama Sekera's Tun Man Handiya in 1970.

Author

Abeywickrama published his first novel Maha Bambata Muhunu Dekai in 1972.[10]

Filmography

Until his death, he has acted in 172 films where 62 of them as leading actor and rest 110 as a supporting actor.

Film
Year Film Role
1957 Saradama police officer
1959 Avishwasaya
1959 Sri 296
1959 Gehenu Geta
1959 Sirimalee
1960 Nalangana [12]
1960 Pirimiyek Nisa
1961 Daruwa Kageda
1962 Ranmuthu Duwa Sena [13]
1962 Deva Sundari
1963 Wena Swargayak Kumatada
1963 Deepashika
1964 Hete Pramada Wediyi
1964 Getawarayo Semanaris
1964 Suba Sarana Sepa Sithe
1964 Sithaka Mahima
1965 Chandiya Peda
1965 Sathutu Kandulu
1965 Saaravita Bamunusinha Arachchige Gunahamy 'Saraiya' [14]
1965 Hithata Hitha
1965 Allapu Gedara Kapila [15]
1965 Satha Panaha [16]
1965 Sweep Ticket
1965 Landaka Mahima Mohan
1966 Sengawena Sewanella
1966 Mahadena Muththa Polbemuna
1966 Senasuma Kothenada
1966 Athulweema Thahanam
1966 Seegiri Kashyapa Rala[17]
1966 Kapatikama
1966 Parasathu Mal [18]
1967 Sorungeth Soru
1967 Manamalayo
1967 Daru Duka
1967 Sendol Kandulu
1968 Punchi Baba Sena
1968 Akka Nago
1968 Amathikama Mudalali
1968 Dahasak Sithuvili Sunny[19]
1968 Adarawanthayo
1968 Ataweni Pudumaya
1969 Senehasa
1969 Oba Nethinam
1969 Narilatha Alpenis [20]
1969 Hari Maga
1969 Baduth Ekka Horu
1969 Uthum Sthree
1969 Prawesam Wanna
1969 Para Walalu
1969 Pancha
1969 Romeo Juliet Kathawa [21]
1970 Lakseta Kodiya
1970 Thewatha
1970 Tun Man Handiya Abilin
1971 Seeye Nottuwa
1971 Welikathara Goring Mudalali
1971 Haralaksaya [22]
1972 Chandar, the Black Leopard of Ceylon Father
1972 Weeduru Gewal
1973 Mathara Aachchi
1973 Thushara [23]
1973 Sadahatama Oba Mage
1974 Kalyani Gangaa
1974 Onna Babo Billo Enawa
1974 Niyangala Mal
1975 Raththaran Amma
1975 Tharanga
1974 Sooraya Soorayamai Abeywickrama [24]
1975 Sikuruliya Berty [25]
1975 Sadhana
1975 Kalu Diya Dahara
1975 Desa Nisa Nirudaka [26]
1976 Wasana
1976 Madol Duwa Dharmasinghe gurunnanse [27]
1976 Kolomba Sanniya Andare
1976 The God King Swami
1976 Unnatha Dahai Malath Dahai
1976 Onna Mame Kella Panapi
1977 Hithuwoth Hithuwamai Alwis [28]
1977 Yali Ipade
1977 Siripala Ha Ranmenika Simon [29]
1978 Gehenu Lamai [30]
1978 Siripathula Chanting man
1978 Selinage Walauwa
1978 Sara Gajanayake
1978 Veera Puran Appu Gongalegoda Banda
1978 Bambaru Avith Anton Aiya
1978 Sally
1978 Kumara Kumariyo Dharme
1978 Sandawata Rantharu
1979 Jeewana Kandulu Vimal
1979 Hingana Kolla Vayya, Diyathalan Mama [31]
1979 Raja Kollo
1979 Wasanthe Dawasak Samantenne Arachchi
1979 Visi Hathara Peya Winson
1979 Hari Pudumai Sugath
1980 Tak Tik Tuk Detective Serasinghe
1980 Jodu Walalu Suminda
1980 Ektem Ge Wilson [32][33]
1980 Seetha
1980 Aadara Rathne Bertholameus
1980 Siribo Aiya Siribo Aiya
1980 Bambara Pahasa Siripala
1980 Dandu Monara Jinapala
1980 Muwan Pelessa 2
1980 Para Dige
1980 Sinhabahu Sinha
1981 Kolam Karayo Saarapala
1981 Taranga
1981 Baddegama Silindu [34]
1981 Sayuru Thera Fish salesman
1981 Soldadu Unnahe Soldier
1981 Sathara Pera Nimithi
1981 Pinhami
1981 Sathara Diganthaya
1982 Thana Giravai Doctor Siri
1982 Wathura Karaththaya Shooter
1982 Major Sir
1982 Kele Mal Daasa
1982 Malata Noena Bambaru Sunny [35]
1982 Rail Paara Rail Guard
1982 Kadaunu Poronduwa Hemapala
1983 Ran Mini Muthu
1983 Sandamali
1983 Sumithuro
1983 Niliyakata Pem Kalemi
1983 Samuganimi Ma Samiyani
1983 Suboda
1983 Muwan Pelessa 3
1983 Monara Thenna 2
1983 Peter of the Elephants
1983 Muhudu Lihini
1984 Shirani
1984 Thaththai Duwai Lavuris
1984 Podi Ralahami Podi Ralahami
1984 Sasara Chethana
1984 Wadula
1984 Hima Kathara
1984 Sahodariyakage Kathawa
1985 Suddilage Kathaawa Ex-Village Headman [36]
1986 Maldeniye Simion Simion [37]
1986 Dev Duwa Mohomed
1986 Pooja Jamis (the executioner)
1986 Aadara Hasuna Army officer (Colonel)
1987 Viragaya Jayasena, Aravinda's father [38]
1988 Rasa Rahasak Hitler Abeynayake
1988 Angulimala Disapamok
1990 Palama Yata Uncle [39]
1991 Golu Muhude Kunatuwak Podi Mahaththaya
1991 Cheriyo Doctor Chief psychiatrist
1991 Sthree Appuhamy
1992 Umayanganaya The eldest brother
1994 Ambu Samiyo Doctor
1995 Awaragira K.B. Sethigala
1995 Cheriyo Captain Captain Doson
1996 Hitha Honda Gahaniyek
1996 Loku Duwa Mr. Palihawadana [40]
1996 Cheriyo Darling Chief psychiatrist
1996 Bithu Sithuwam Senaka
1997 Suddu Akka Blacksmith
1998 Vimukthi
1999 Theertha Yathra Father [41]
2000 Saroja Indigenous doctor[42]
2000 Rajya Sevaya Pinisai Sumanasekara
2001 Purahanda Kaluwara Vannihamy
2001 Aswesuma Guneris – old age
2006 Dheewari Mudalali
2009 Alimankada
2010 Tikiri Suwanda Devendra
2011 Mahindagamanaya
2011 Selvam Sathyavelu
2012 Prathiroo Siyathu
2013 Abhinikmana Buddhadasa's Father

References
  1. "Comedians of Sinhala Cinema". Sarasaviya. Archived from the original on 29 December 2017. Retrieved 26 August 2017.
  2. "Remembering Joe". sundaytimes. Retrieved 2021-01-11.
  3. "The struggle of the common man for self-dignity is very profound". World Socialist Web Site. Retrieved December 18, 2006.
  4. "Joe Abeywickrama passes away" Archived 2011-10-25 at the Wayback Machine. Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). Retrieved August 05, 2014.
  5. "Joe Abeywickrama the actor extraordinaire" Archived 2014-08-08 at the Wayback Machine. Sunday Observer (Sri lanka). Retrieved August 05, 2014.
  6. "Sinhala Cinema database" Films lk.Retrieved August 05, 2014.
  7. "Awards for Joe Abeywickrama". Internet Movie Database Inc. Retrieved December 18, 2006.
  8. "Trinity of Sinhala cinema". Divaina. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  9. "First Sri Lankan to participate Filmfare - ෆිල්ම් ෆෙයාර් උලෙළට ගිය මුල්ම ලාංකික නළුවා". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  10. "Meet Joe Abeywickrema, the writer". Sunday Times. 1998. Retrieved 2007-05-19.
  11. "Face of a thousand expressions". The Nation. 2006. Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2007-05-19.
  12. "All about the film "Nalangana"". sarasaviya. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
  13. "All about the film Ranmuthu Duwa". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
  14. "All about Saravita". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
  15. "All about the film "Allapu Gedara"". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 2020-01-04.
  16. "All about the film "Satha Panaha"". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 2020-01-04.
  17. "All about Seegiri Kashyapa". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
  18. "All about "Parasathu Mal"". sarasaviya. Retrieved 2021-01-23.
  19. "All about Dahasak Sithuvili". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
  20. "All about Narilatha". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  21. "Romeo Juliet Kathawak". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 2021-01-10.
  22. "Invaluable Haara Lakshe". sarasaviya. Retrieved 2021-01-12.
  23. "All about the film "Thushara"". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  24. "All about the film "Suraya Surayamai"". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 2021-01-23.
  25. "He left me: Sikuruliya". sarasaviya. Retrieved 2021-01-11.
  26. "Lester-Sumithra cinema on mini-screen". Sunday Times. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  27. "All about Madol Duwa". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
  28. "All about "Hithuwoth Hithuwamai"". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 2021-01-23.
  29. "Siripala and Ranmenika highlighted the poetic mind of the misguided man". sarasaviya. Retrieved 2021-01-23.
  30. "සදා මේ සංසාරේ අපේ හමුවීම නොවේ: ගැහැනු ළමයි". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 2021-01-12.
  31. "All about the film "Hingana Kolla"". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 2021-01-23.
  32. "'Ektem Ge' on Rupavahini". Sunday Times. Retrieved 8 December 2019.
  33. "We will alone in Ektam Ge". sarasaviya. Retrieved 2021-01-11.
  34. "Lester-Sumithra cinema on mini-screen". Sunday Times. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  35. "All about the film "Malata Noena Bambaru"". sarasaviya. Retrieved 2021-01-12.
  36. "All about the film "Suddilage Kathawa"". sarasaviya. Retrieved 2021-01-18.
  37. "'Maldeniye Simeon' back after 20 years". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
  38. "All about Viragaya". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  39. "All about the film "Palama Yata"". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
  40. "Loku Duwa appears on Rupavahini". Sunday Times. Retrieved 8 December 2019.
  41. "'Theertha yatra' goes in search of family roots". Sunday Times. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
  42. "'Saroja': tale of two small girls". Sunday Times. Retrieved 21 October 2018.
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