Joseph Malsi Jackson Anthony, widely known as Jackson Anthony, is a versatile actor, deeply involved in Sri Lankan cinema, theater, and television. His immense popularity in the country is evident as he holds a remarkable record of winning the Best Actor award sixteen times. Beyond acting, he has showcased his talents in various capacities, including directing, producing, singing, screenwriting, hosting television shows, writing novels and columns, composing lyrics, delving into history, and exploring the world as a traveler.
Born on 8th July 1958 in Podiwee Kumbura village, Ragama, Sri Lanka, he was affectionately called "Malsi" by his parents, though many know him as "Jackson." He received his early education at Hapugoda St. Mary's Junior School and St. Mary's College in Bandarawela before attending Galahitiyawa Central College in Ganemulla. For higher education, he pursued an honors degree in Sinhala Language and Literature at the University of Colombo and later obtained a master's degree in Mass Media from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Jackson Anthony fondly remembers his parents, Konganige Benedict Anthony and Podivee Kumbure Rolin Perera, as the main pillars of his success. His family includes five brothers, with his elder brother Senaka Titus Anthony being a journalist for various media outlets. Tragically, his elder brother Senaka Titus passed away in Singapore on 23rd October 2017 due to kidney and liver failure.
In his personal life, Jackson Anthony is married to Kumari Munasinghe, who is also an actress and singer. The couple has two sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Madhavee Wathsala, is a television presenter, actress, and singer. The elder son, Akila Dhanuddara, is a television presenter, model, and actor. The youngest son, Sajitha Anuththara, is also a television presenter, singer, and award-winning actor, who starred as the hunter's son in "Sooriya Arana" and played the title role in his father's big-budget film "Aba."
Despite being a Catholic, Jackson Anthony has a keen interest in Buddhist studies and hosts a show on Sri Lankan Buddhist history as well as a discussion program on the Buddhist channel.
His acting career began with extensive performances in university stage dramas. Later, he gained recognition in the field of cinema, television, and theater with notable works such as "Marasad," "Madhura Jawanika," "Loma Hansa," "Dhawala Beeshana," "Ath," "Mora," and "Tharavo Igilethi." He received accolades for his acting, including the Best Actor award at the National Drama Festival.
In 1993, he ventured into the film industry and acted in various films, solidifying his reputation as a talented actor. Notable movies include "Bawa Duka," "Bawa Karma," "Gini Awi Saha Gini Keli," "Aswesuma," "Agni Dahaya," "Sooriya Arana," "Mille Soya," and "Randiya Dahara." Additionally, he excelled in television roles, earning recognition for serials like "Palingu Manike," "Ella Langa Walawwa," "Suseema," "Weda Hamine," "Kadulla," "Pitagamgarayo," and "Akala Sandya."
Besides his acting prowess, Jackson Anthony made a mark as a director, with films like "Julietge Bhumikawa," "Paradeesaya," "Aba," and "Address Na." He won the Best Actor award for the film "Address Na" at the Derana Film Awards in 2015. Furthermore, he collaborated with Kerala cinema to work on the production "Lucknow," directed by Anil Kumar.
In his career, he has also been involved in music, collaborating with the renowned Sri Lankan musician Clarence Wijewardena as a supporting singer in the teledrama "Suseema," where they sang popular songs like "Sithe Susum" and "Dasa Piya Gath Kala Mata."
Beyond the entertainment industry, Jackson Anthony's creativity extended to television production, where he served as the Creative Director of Swarnavahini. He conceptualized and presented shows like "Maha Sinhalaye Vansa Kathawa" and "Maha Sinhalaye Yatath Vijitha Vansa Kathawa." He also hosted exploration programs like "Awaare Siripa," "Ganga Dige," and "Roma Puranaya."
In January 2020, he published his book "Kanda Uda Gindara," and on 22nd July 2020, he commenced a travel documentary titled "Kalu Ganga Dige" along the Kalu Ganga.
Unfortunately, on 2nd July 2022, Jackson Anthony, along with his younger brother Saman Anthony and a friend, met with an accident at Thalawa in Anuradhapura, involving a collision with a wild elephant. He underwent a seven-hour surgery and has been hospitalized since then.
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