Theatre and broadcast icon Leoni Forbes is dead, and as expected, the tributes keep pouring in. She died on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, in the hospital. She was 85.
Her passing has ended a life of excellence, love, and respect in theatre and media.
Among those paying tribute to the late theatre icon is Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica. On Tuesday evening, in his tribute via Twitter, the PM said:
“Forbes flew the Jamaican flag high as a cultural icon.” “She was always elegant and gracious, and her voice commanded both respect and admiration. Jamaica has lost an iconic and pioneering figure in media, film, and television.”
He added: “her crisp, clear voice, warm personality, and contribution to Jamaica’s development in media and the arts will never be forgotten.”
Opposition Leader Mark Golding said this: “Forbes was a great personality of Jamaican drama and culture who has been a household name for most of our lifetimes.”
“We honour her contribution to our country.”
A statement from the People’s National Party reads: “The late actress will be remembered for her charming personality, talent, and wit.” In addition, “Her numerous theatrical achievements have earned her a well-deserved place in the Jamaican Hall Of Fame.”
Former Television Jamaica, Broadcast journalist Vashan Brown highly praised Forbes’s guidance.
“I’m heartbroken. She used to call me every single time I presented the news. Some days with constructive feedback… other days to tell me how much of a joy it was to watch me on air…. She was an icon,” he tweeted.
Singer Nadine Sutherland said Forbes gave her “many moments of joy.”
“She could utilize the King’s English with aplomb, but, could cast a spell on you when she used our Jamaican language. A talent that was bigger than our shores. We had brilliance, I wonder if we knew. Soar in the realms of the ancestors.”
This story was sourced by the gleaner:
Tributes pouring in for late Jamaican theatre icon Leonie Forbes. https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20221026/tributes-pouring-late-jamaican-theatre-icon-leonie-forbes