By Carolyn K, FMT
Mano Maniam, a veteran of stage and screen best known for his role as Uncle Chan in the English-language sitcom Kopitiam, has died at the age of 79.
Born on 15 November 1945, Mano was a prominent figure in the local arts scene for decades, known for his work as an actor, director, drama teacher, voiceover artiste and writer.
His brother, Madi Maniam, said Mano passed away in his apartment in Brickfields last night. He had not married and had been living alone.
“It happened all of a sudden. It could be due to old age, heart attack or even a stroke. We’re still not sure.
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“We only got to know about his passing later. We’re making the necessary funeral arrangements now and will announce the details later,” Madi told FMT.
He said while Mano preferred his privacy and lived independently, he remained close to his family.
“He lived a full life. He valued his freedom but always stayed connected with us, with my family, his nephews and nieces,” he said.
Mano was already well-known in the local theatre scene when he rose to national fame through Kopitiam, which aired from 1999 to 2003 on TV3.
His portrayal of the wise and affable Uncle Chan made him a familiar and beloved face in Malaysian households. The popular sitcom also starred Douglas Lim, Rashid Salleh, Joanna Bessey, Lina Teoh and Chew Kin Wah, among others.
He also had roles in the Hollywood blockbuster Anna and the King and in the Netflix series Marco Polo, as well as starred in several local English and Tamil dramas on TV.
Mano continued to remain active in the arts well into his 70s, doing voiceover work and teaching acting to older adults at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre.
“He was still doing voiceovers recently,” Madi said.
Madi also shared that Mano was scheduled to receive an award this evening (31 May) at the HGH Convention Hall in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, in recognition of his cultural contributions to the Indian community and to the Malaysian performing arts.
“He was preparing for it and had his suit already laid out. This evening, he will be there in spirit,” he said.
A memorial service for Mano will be held at Bliss Gardens, Memorial Hall P3, Persiaran Jalan Setia Makmur U14/49, Seksyen U14, Shah Alam. The wake will be held tomorrow (Sunday) from 5pm to 10pm. The funeral service will take place on Monday from 9am, with cremation at 2pm. – Free Malaysia Today
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