Latest news with #KualaLumpurPerformingArtsCentre
BusinessToday
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BusinessToday
Renowned Kopitiam Sitcom Actor Mano Maniam Passes Away
Malaysia has lost one of its most beloved cultural icons. Mano Maniam, the veteran actor best known for his warm portrayal of Uncle Chan in the iconic 1990s sitcom Kopitiam, passed away peacefully on May 30 at the age of 79. His younger brother, Madi Maniam, confirmed the news to Bernama , saying Mano died of natural causes due to old age. 'Further details are still being arranged with the family,' he said, adding that the funeral is expected to take place this Monday at Bliss Gardens, Shah Alam. Born on Nov 15, 1945, Mano was more than just a familiar face on Malaysian television, he was a pillar of the local performing arts scene. With a career that spanned six decades, Mano wore many hats: Actor, director, playwright, acting coach and voice-over artist. His dedication to the craft touched generations of Malaysians, and his legacy continues to shape the country's creative landscape. In addition to his work on local TV and theatre, Mano left his mark on the international stage. He appeared in Hollywood's 'Anna and the King' and the Netflix historical drama 'Marco Polo', showcasing Malaysian talent to a global audience. His distinct voice also brought life to Tok Din in the English-language adaptation of Lat's animated classic Kampung Boy . Even in his later years, Mano remained active, conducting acting classes for senior citizens at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre and lending his voice to various projects. He was a cherished mentor to many young artists and a vocal advocate for inclusivity and cultural preservation in the arts. In a poignant twist, Mano was scheduled to receive an award on May 31 in recognition of his lifelong contributions to the Indian community and Malaysian performing arts. As tributes pour in from peers and fans alike, Mano is remembered not only for his unforgettable characters and commanding stage presence, but also for his deep humanity, humour and the warmth he brought to every role. Malaysia mourns the loss of a true legend, but celebrates a life that inspired and united generations through storytelling, compassion and art. Related
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Friends, co-stars fondly remember Mano as a 'man for all seasons'
KUALA LUMPUR: The late veteran actor Mano Maniam has been hailed as a "man for all seasons" by his friends and co-stars, and a truly Bangsa Malaysia entertainer. Mano, who passed away yesterday at the age of 79, coincidentally starred in a play titled A Man For All Seasons back in 1991. Throughout his illustrious, five-decade acting career, he made his mark across various mediums – television, film, and theatre. Douglas Lim, actor and comedian, who co-starred with Mano in Kopitiam, described the Ipoh-born screen legend as a great "sifu" (master) and friend. "I first met him while we were starring in Kopitiam back in the 1990s, and he was always kind, friendly, helpful, and fun," said Lim. "I'm honoured to have known and worked with him, for he always encouraged me to aim high and helped introduce me to the entertainment industry." Lim also noted Mano's superb sense of humour. While they didn't work together often in the last decade, Lim will always cherish Mano's friendship and guidance, describing his death as a significant loss to Malaysian showbiz. Kopitiam's main actress, acting coach Joanna Bessey, remembered Mano as a great mentor and father figure. "Mano was always a teacher and a friend to me. We actually met in a play called Witness For The Prosecution before Kopitiam began, and I was instantly struck by his jovial, chatty, and playful demeanour," said Joanna, who also highlighted Mano's extensive knowledge. "Over the years, we met many times, and I learnt a lot from him. He taught performing arts in colleges and universities, as did I, and when he couldn't conduct his classes or workshops, he got me to stand in for him!" In 2019, Joanna, Lim, and Mano reunited for Kopitiam Double Shot, reprising their roles as Marie, Steven, and Uncle Chan respectively. Joanna described Mano as one of Malaysia's "brightest stars" in showbiz, who bridged the gap between television, film, and theatre, as well as English, Malay, and Tamil entertainment. "He was truly a Bangsa Malaysia icon in entertainment, and we will all miss him," she added. A PILLAR OF MALAYSIAN ARTS Datuk Faridah Merican, founder of the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC), shared that Mano had been a close friend for five decades. "We first met in the 1970s, and he played my father, a circus owner, in a play titled He Who Gets Slapped," she recalled. "I was impressed not only by his brilliant acting but also his passion for the arts and all-round friendliness." She added that they worked together in many plays over the decades, and he was a regular visitor to KLPAC. Faridah further noted that Mano was a great teacher of the arts, conducting acting classes for senior citizens who greatly enjoyed his workshops. "He didn't confine himself to English language theatre and starred in Malay language television dramas and comedies, as well as movies," Faridah said. "One of the main highlights of his career was playing Moonshee in Anna And The King alongside Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-Fat, which was partly filmed in Malaysia in 1999." Faridah believes Mano helped put Malaysian entertainers on the world map. She lamented that Mano was due to receive a special award for his lifetime contributions but passed away before he could attend the ceremony. "Malaysia has lost a giant in entertainment, but he will always be in our hearts – a passionate actor, a great teacher, and a wonderful friend." INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION Actor and comedian Datuk Afdlin Shauki said that Mano was an inspiration in his acting career. They both attended the same school, Sekolah Menengah Anglo Chinese in Ipoh. "Both of us were active in our alma mater's music and drama society, which staged many musicals in the 1980s," Afdlin said. "I played Datuk Lat in a musical adaptation of the legendary cartoonist's famous, semi-autobiographical cartoon book Town Boy in 1987, and he commended me for doing a great job." Afdlin added that he learned a lot about acting from Mano and also starred with him in Anna And The King. Afdlin described Mano as one of the country's best-known actors who represented Malaysia in several international movies. "He was one of the few actors who put Malaysian talent on the world map, and I'll always remember him for his love of the arts and great humour."
Barnama
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Veteran Actor Mano Maniam From Kopitiam Dies
KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) -- Veteran actor Mano Maniam, renowned for his role as Uncle Chan in the sitcom Kopitiam, died last night at the age of 79. The news was confirmed by his younger brother, Madi Maniam, when contacted by Bernama today. 'His passing was due to old age and occurred naturally. However, further details have yet to be finalised with the family. The funeral is expected to take place this Monday at Bliss Gardens, Shah Alam,' he said. Born on Nov 15, 1945, Mano was a prominent figure in the local arts scene since 1965, having worn many hats as an actor, director, writer, acting coach and voice-over artist. He also made appearances in international productions, including the Hollywood blockbuster Anna and the King and the Netflix series Marco Polo, in addition to various English- and Tamil-language television dramas produced locally. Even in his seventies, Mano remained active in the performing arts, continuing his voice-over work and offering acting classes for senior citizens at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC). His voice was featured as Tok Din in the English-language adaptation of the animated series Kampung Boy, and he also starred in the local film Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa. Madi also shared that Mano was slated to receive an award tonight at the HGH Convention Hall, Sentul, in recognition of his contributions to the Indian community and the development of the performing arts in Malaysia. -- BERNAMA
Hype Malaysia
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Retired HK Star Petrina Fung Bo Bo Makes Rare Appearance At klpac
While Hong Kong stars aren't strangers to Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur, it's still surprising to see some stars make a rare public appearance in the city. Recently, retired Hong Kong actress Petrina Fung Bo Bo (冯宝宝) made her first public appearance in years at Sentul. Over the weekend, the former child star appeared at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC) to attend the Malaysian performance of the Cantonese black comedy stage play 'Left Unsaid'. The stage play stars HK actors Kenny Wong (黄德斌) and Cecilia Yip (叶童), produced by Joseph Chan and directed by Mathias Woo. Petrina reportedly attended the performance in support of her long-time friends Joseph and Mathias. In photos shared online, the retired actress looked radiant in a pale yellow and black ensemble with a matching headpiece. Despite turning 71 this year, Petrina appeared youthful, with smooth and fair skin. Besides meeting up with Joseph and Mathias, the veteran star also took photos with the cast of the stage play. After the show, she praised the production 'Left Unsaid', saying she thoroughly enjoyed the cast's performance. If you wonder why Petrina appeared in KL out of all places, it's because the retired star currently lives in Penang. She has been living here for years, since stepping away from showbiz. She once said living in the state is better suited to her state of mind as she ages. However, the star reportedly travelled several hours by car to KL to support the play and reconnect with old friends. Petrina also has other ties to Malaysia, having been born in British North Borneo (now known as Sandakan) in 1954. She was also married to a Malaysian architect from 1997 to 2012. She also lived in Kuala Lumpur for some time, travelling between HK and Malaysia for her acting career. The actress was also once active in activism, speaking at local talks and events to advocate for mental health awareness. As it's been a while since Petrina was at a showbiz-related event, it's nice to see how well-respected she still is amongst her peers. Her appearance at klpac is a reminder of her enduring legacy in the HK entertainment industry. Sources: Dimsum Daily, China Press
