Jackson Anthony Obituary: Remembering Jackson Anthony

Jackson Anthony Obituary

The world of Sri Lankan entertainment mourns the loss of a true icon as veteran actor Jackson Anthony, aged 65, passed away after an arduous 14-month battle at the National Hospital in Colombo.

Jackson Anthony was a revered figure in the Sri Lankan acting fraternity, celebrated for his versatility and profound talent. His journey took a tragic turn on July 2, 2022, when he, along with two others, including his younger brother Saman Anthony, was involved in a harrowing accident. Their vehicle collided with a wild elephant in Thalawa while returning from a film shoot at Haththikuchchi Viharaya in Galgamuwa.

The collision left their vehicle severely damaged, and the condition of the wild elephant remains uncertain. Jackson Anthony, too, sustained injuries that necessitated his transfer from Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital to the National Hospital in Colombo. There, he underwent a grueling seven-hour surgery in the intensive care unit, where he had been hospitalized ever since.

Jackson Anthony’s illustrious career spanned Sri Lankan cinema, theater, and television. His exceptional talent earned him the prestigious title of Best Actor at the national level a remarkable sixteen times. Beyond acting, he was a multifaceted artist, contributing as a director, producer, singer, screenwriter, television host, novelist, columnist, lyricist, historian, and traveler.

As a director, Jackson Anthony helmed several blockbuster Sri Lankan films, with “Julietge Bhumikawa” marking his directorial debut, garnering him the Most Promising Director award at the Critics’ Awards Ceremony. “Paradeesaya,” another of his directorial endeavors, received critical acclaim. He further solidified his status with the Best Actor award at the Derana Film Awards 2015 for his work in the film “Address Na,” a movie he also directed.

Jackson Anthony’s artistic legacy extended to the realm of music, where his songwriting talents shone. Songs like “Sithe Susum Niwena Gayana,” “Desa Piya Gath kala Mata Mewenne Obe Ruwa,” “Lade Ukula Uda,” “Re Tharakawo,” “Dewiyo Sithana Dewal,” and many more teledrama theme songs bear testament to his lyrical prowess.

In his personal life, Jackson Anthony shared a deep bond with his long-time partner Kumari Munasinghe, who herself is an actress and singer. Their union blessed them with two sons and a daughter, all of whom have followed in their parents’ footsteps, becoming well-known actors, singers, and television presenters.

Sri Lanka has lost an irreplaceable treasure in Jackson Anthony. His enduring legacy, his profound impact on the world of entertainment, and the love he shared with his family, colleagues, and fans will forever remain etched in the hearts of all who were touched by his remarkable life.

 Who is Jackson Anthony?

Jackson Anthony was a revered and iconic figure in the world of Sri Lankan entertainment. He was a veteran actor known for his remarkable versatility and talent. Beyond his acting career, Jackson Anthony was a multifaceted artist, excelling as a director, producer, singer, screenwriter, television host, novelist, columnist, lyricist, historian, and traveler.

His career in the entertainment industry spanned Sri Lankan cinema, theater, and television, where he earned numerous accolades. Jackson Anthony’s impressive achievement included winning the national award for Best Actor an astounding sixteen times. As a director, he helmed several blockbuster Sri Lankan films, with notable works like “Julietge Bhumikawa” and “Address Na.”

He was also known for his contributions to music, having penned popular songs, including teledrama theme songs. Jackson Anthony’s impact extended beyond his professional life; he was deeply connected to his community and shared a close bond with his long-time partner, Kumari Munasinghe, who is also an actress and singer. Together, they raised a family of talented actors, singers, and television presenters.

In summary, Jackson Anthony was a beloved figure in Sri Lankan entertainment, celebrated for his exceptional talent and contributions across various artistic domains, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of those who admired his work.