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Joe Abeywickrama

Overview

Serials & Shows

DOB : 22-06-1927
Date of death: 21-09-2011
Lived For : 83 Years
Star Sign : Cancer
Gender : Male

Skills

» Actor

Written By - Team Nettv4u

Abeywickrama was born on June 22 1927, in Lellopitiya, Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, and grew up in the countryside. He was the eldest of four children. His environment instilled in him a strong respect for nature and hard work. He received his primary education at Dippitigala Mixed School near Lellopitiya. He then studied for a short time at Sivali Central College, Ratnapura. He received his secondary education in Ratnapura at St.Aloysius College. After completing his education, he worked as director of the Lellopitiya Cooperative. In the 1940s, he settled in Colombo and began working in the studios of ‘Sirisena Wimalaweera’ and ‘Nawajeewana.’

Initially limited to office work, Abeywickrama later participated in films presented by Ratnapura Studios. He interacted with film industry insiders while working at the studio and landed a role in 'Devasundari' while on vacation. Abeywickrama started his acting career in productions. In 1955, he made his film debut in a comedy role in 'Devasundari' directed by M.H. Munas, a Sri Lankan who made films about India. He landed the role with the help of his friend Florida Jayalathi, his first role and a turning point in his career. He was a comedian in all his early films and played prominent roles in 'Sirimalee' 'Nalangana' 'Pirimiyek Nisa' 'Kolamba Sanniya' and 'Daruwa Kageda.' In 1962, he played the lead role in the film 'Ranmuthu Duwa' in which he acted for the first time opposite Gamini Fonseka Bio coming soon... >> Read More... . In 1956, he played a role as a "comedy detective."

In earlier years, he appeared in many dramatic roles in several critically acclaimed films. In 1965, he won the Best Actor award at the Sarasaviya Awards for his role in the film. In 1971, he acted in Welikathara, directed by DB. Nihalsinghe, he starred as 'Gorin Mudalalianquot.' The film won several awards at local film festivals and was considered one of the major Sri Lankan films. He also acted in ‘Mahagama Sekera’ and ‘Tun Man Handiya’ in 1970. His other notable acting roles included Getawarayo's 'Semaneri' and 'Sadol' in the movie 'Kandulu the dumb servant.' He later won the ‘Sarasaviya Award’ for Best Actor in ‘Kandulu.’ He has won forty awards, including both international and local film festivals.