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Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Tributes pour in for veteran actor Mano Maniam
Mano Maniam, who died at age 79, was a cherished star of stage and screen. (YouTube pic) PETALING JAYA : Veteran Malaysian actor Veteran Malaysian actor Mano Maniam , star of stage and screen, died last night at age 79. As news broke of his passing, members of the performing arts community have come out to pay tribute to a treasured performer. Faridah Merican, the First Lady of Malaysian theatre, recalled their very first play together back in the 1970s. 'It was called 'He Who Gets Slapped', directed by Joy Zinoman. Mano played my father, and he gave his all, as he did with every role,' she told FMT Lifestyle. 'I worked with Mano for over a lifetime. He touched many lives with his roles in theatre. We were just talking about having a theatre show for seniors, and it is a pity we won't get to do it. 'The Malaysian arts scene will miss a great performer. May he rest in peace.' On the set of 'Kopitiam' with co-stars including Douglas Lim. (Double Vision pic) Theatre director and artistic director of The Actors Studio Joe Hasham, added: 'Mano was an amazing actor, and a wonderful human being. He lived a full and wonderful life, which we should celebrate.' Actor, comedian and musician Douglas Lim, who co-starred with Mano in the sitcom 'Kopitiam', considered Mano one of his primary mentors when he started doing television work 30 years ago. 'Mano was always passionate about the arts and the environment,' Lim said. 'In my eyes, he will always be the free-spirited, adventure-loving, caring and generous Uncle Mano.' Sabera Shaik, executive producer of Masakini Theatre, said Mano was a long-time friend with whom she had countless hour-long phone conversations. Mano, seated next to Hollywood actress Jodie Foster, on the set of the film 'Anna and the King'. (Mano Maniam pic) 'He was and will always be cherished as a formidable director, and actor who did Shakespeare proud. But Mano was not only an actor, he was an intrepid traveller who enjoyed exploring the world, discovering geographical marvels and meeting people. 'Above all, he was a wonderful friend who loved to laugh at himself, and laughed with you and never at you.' Actor Colin Kirton, who worked with Mano in 'Natra: The Musical' (2004) and a staged reading of theatrethreesixty's 'Death of a Salesman' in 2016, will always remember Mano's humility. 'In spite of his accolades and how highly he was viewed in the arts scene, what stands out to me was his character. He was the most humble, down-to-earth man – a true gentleman.' Mano accompanied by former 'Kopitiam' co-star Joanna Bessey (middle) and theatrethreesixty artistic director Christopher Ling, with teachers and students from SM Convent Bukit Nanas in 2014. (theatrethreesixty pic) Director, actor and animal activist Nicole Ann-Thomas concurred, calling Mano 'well-loved and kind'. 'He was always ready to share his experiences and stories with anyone who was willing to listen – and there were many of us,' she said. 'Thank you Mano. Rest well now.'
Express Tribune
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Joe Don Baker dies at 89 after decades as action star, known for Walking Tall and James Bond films
Joe Don Baker, the Texas-born actor best known for his rugged performances in Walking Tall and several James Bond films, has died at the age of 89. His family announced that he passed away on May 7. Baker rose to fame in the early 1970s, first gaining attention for his role alongside Steve McQueen in Junior Bonner (1972) and as a menacing mob hitman in Charley Varrick (1973). However, it was his portrayal of real-life sheriff Buford Pusser in Walking Tall (1973) that cemented his place in cinema history. As Pusser, Baker depicted a relentless lawman who fought crime with a wooden club, resonating with audiences during the politically turbulent Watergate era. The film, made on a modest budget, became an unexpected box office success, grossing around $40 million — the equivalent of over $600 million today. Director Phil Karlson attributed its popularity to audiences' desire for a strong, moral figure to root for. Baker also made notable appearances in the James Bond franchise, playing the villainous arms dealer Brad Whitaker in The Living Daylights (1987), and later returning as CIA agent Jack Wade in GoldenEye (1995) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). He was also recognized for his role as CIA agent Darius Jedburgh in the acclaimed BBC miniseries Edge of Darkness (1985), which earned him a BAFTA nomination. Born on February 12, 1936, in Groesbeck, Texas, Baker studied business before pursuing acting. He trained at The Actors Studio in New York and appeared in Broadway productions before transitioning to film and television. Over his career, he starred in The Outfit (1973), The Natural (1984), Cape Fear (1991), Mars Attacks! (1996), and Mud (2012), among others. He also led the NBC series Eischied and made appearances in In the Heat of the Night and Fletch. Baker was married to Maria Dolores Rivero-Torres from 1969 until their divorce in 1980. He is survived by family members in Groesbeck, Texas. A funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday in Mission Hills, California.
