Rex Joseph Kodippili, also known as 'Badulla Mohideen Beg,' is a renowned Sri Lankan film actor and director. Born on October 6, 1938, in Badulla, Sri Lanka, he grew up as the youngest of his siblings. His father, Don Henry Kodippili, worked as a surveyor, while his mother was named Ethan Kodippili. Tragically, Rex's father passed away when he was just 18 months old due to a flooding incident in the Trincomalee district. Raised by his mother alongside his two brothers, Rex completed his education at St. Bede's College in Badulla.
After finishing his schooling, Rex joined the Police department and relocated to Colombo in 1958. During his time in the police force, he excelled in various sports such as boxing and swimming and even became the leader of the military police's first-ever swimming team. Eventually, Rex served for five years before leaving the department in 1961. Following his departure, he worked as a physical training instructor in the Military Police. Later on, he took up managerial positions at establishments such as the Marina Café and Hotel in Pettah and Salaka.
Rex Joseph Kodippili was married to Katherine, whom he met through a marriage proposal. Together, they had two daughters named Roshanthi and Sureka, and a son named Prasanna. Unfortunately, Rex's wife Katherine passed away in 2016.
While Rex considered himself a better singer than an actor, his singing talent earned him popularity as 'Badulla Mohideen Beg' in the Badulla area. From a young age, he showcased his singing prowess and even secured the second position in the grand final of the 'Adunika Peya' program, a radio commercial service competition in the late 1950s. At the age of seven, he received the award from the late Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike himself. During his time at Siddhartha College, Rex joined the drama circle called the "Rohana Dramatic Society," which staged various productions, including Maraka Daivaya and Sangeetha Pissa.
Following his police service, Rex participated in the "Adunika Peya" program of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. He secured the second place in the competition, with Nanda Malini taking the first place. Additionally, he appeared in programs like Nevum Mihira and recorded around five solo tracks.
During his tenure at Hotel Salaka, Rex forged friendships with Oswald Jayasinghe and Dommie Jayawardena. In 1969, while giving Jayasinghe a ride to a film location in Nugegoda, the director of the film Kathuru Muwath, K. A. W. Perera, noticed Rex and offered him the role of a pickpocket. This marked his entry into the film industry. Alongside acting, Rex also took on "double" roles in action scenes, serving as a stunt double for lead actors in fight sequences. In 1972, he featured in the film Lokuma Hinawa, directed by K. A. W. Unfortunately, while performing a stunt, he suffered a leg injury that required a nine-month hospitalization.
Undeterred by the setback, Rex resumed his career and played a stunt role in the film Aparadaya Saha Danduwama in 1973. During a fight scene with Oswald Jayasinghe, shot on the Maligathenna hill's large rock, Rex fell but fortunately grabbed hold of a tree branch, avoiding a severe fall. The branch, however, shattered into glass upon impact with the ground. Consequently, he sustained serious injuries and had to rest for three weeks after being hospitalized.
In the film Onna Babo Billo Enavo (1974), Rex had a memorable stunt scene where he struggled to climb a helicopter and engaged in a fight with Gamini Fonseka. In the subsequent years, he appeared in numerous action films, including Duppathage Hithawatha, Kalyani Ganga, and Maruwa Samaga Wase.
In 1976, Rex ventured into romantic roles with the film Lassana Dawadak. Gradually, he transitioned from action stunt roles to more dramatic character roles. Notable characters portrayed by Rex include 'Kadira' in the film Muwan Pelessa, 'Daanu' in Raktha, 'Ratne Ayya' in Sagarika, and 'Sergeant Silva' in Koti Waligaya. In recognition of his performance in Koti Waligaya, Rex received the merit award at the 1987 Sarasaviya Awards.
In 1982, Rex made his debut as a producer and screenwriter with the film Bicycale. The movie explored the theme of boxing, a subject rarely depicted in Sri Lankan cinema.
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