Tennyson Cooray

Merengnnage Edward Tennyson Cooray (සිංහල: මෙරෙඤඤගේ එඩ්වඩ් ටෙනිසන් කුරේ), born on April 30, 1952, and passed away on September 28, 2020, was a prominent actor and comedian in Sri Lankan cinema and theater. With a career spanning over three decades, he was widely regarded as one of the most beloved comedians in Sinhala cinema. Cooray gained immense popularity for his comedic roles in blockbuster film franchises like "Re Daniel Dawal Migel," "Cheriyo," "Peralikarayo," "Wada Bari Tarzan," and "Somy Boys." In addition to his acting prowess, he also ventured into directing, scriptwriting, singing, and writing lyrics.

Born in Weligama, Matara, Tennyson Cooray was the second child in his family, with a Catholic father and a Buddhist mother. His father, Merengnnage Edgar Stanley Arthur Cooray, worked at the Gamini Bus Company and had an avid interest in English literature. Tennyson completed his primary education at Kesebewa Junior School and later attended Willorawatta Protestant Catholic Mixed School, also known as Moratuwa Methodist College. He only completed his Ordinary Level examination. Tennyson had an older sister and a younger brother, and his upbringing involved a mix of Buddhist and Catholic traditions, with visits to both the temple and church.

In his early years, Tennyson pursued an automotive course and worked as a ship mechanic. However, his passion for acting led him to participate in church festivals and eventually audition for roles in movies. Initially facing rejection due to his appearance, he received encouragement from his father to create a play that suited him. This led to the production of a Vesak drama called "Apaaye Thappara 1800," which aimed to instill fear of sin in people. Tennyson's involvement extended beyond acting, as he also managed the sound for the production. He later gained experience in the industry through short films and collaborations with fellow filmmakers.

Tennyson's breakthrough in Sinhala cinema came when he became a screenwriter for Dinesh Priyasad's directorial debut, "Nommara Ekai." He not only wrote the story and screenplay but also acted in the film. Despite being low-budget, "Nommara Ekai" achieved significant success, setting the stage for Tennyson's future endeavors. His collaboration with Priyasad continued with projects like "Demodara Palama" and "Hithata Dukak Nathi Miniha," showcasing his versatility in adventurous scenes. Tennyson excelled not only in cinema but also in stage plays like "Man The Man," "Captain Cool," "Sivamma Dhanapala," and "I am Sri Lanka," where he humorously addressed societal issues and captivated audiences.

Throughout his career, Tennyson Cooray embraced various roles, including directing the first Christian 16 mm Sinhala film, "Akikaru Puthraya," and stage dramas like "Kurulla," "Man The Man," and "I am Sri Lanka." He frequently collaborated with fellow actor Bandu Samarasinghe, and together they created a comedy cinema wave in the 1990s and early 2000s, starring in films such as "Re Daniel Dawal Migel," "Cheriyo," "Kolompoor," "Parliament Jokes," and "Somy Boys," all of which were blockbuster hits.

In addition to his contributions to cinema and theater, Tennyson Cooray engaged with his audience through a popular Q&A series titled "Tennysongen Ahanna" published in the Sarasaviya newspaper. He expressed his comedic wit and shared his perspectives on various topics, delighting readers. While Tennyson had limited involvement in television serials, preferring major productions like films, he continued to explore different creative avenues.

In 2001, Tennyson made his directorial debut with the comedy film "Thank You Berty," in which he also acted alongside his longtime friend Bandu Samarasinghe. He later directed the home movie "Eya Thamai Meya" in 2015. Notably, he performed in the film "Yama Raja Siri" with Bandu in 2018, marking their reunion after a decade. Tennyson's contributions to comedy extended to the theater as well, where he received acclaim for his role in the comedy play "Reliy Remix" produced by Sisil Gunasekara. His talent and humor were acknowledged at the 2018 Derana Lux Film Awards, where he won the Best Comedian award for his performance in the film "Kota Uda Express."

On September 28, 2020, Tennyson Cooray tragically passed away at the age of 68 due to a sudden heart attack at the National Hospital in Colombo. His remains were laid at Tennyson's House in Moratuwa before the final rites were performed at the Rawathawatte Methodist Church on October 1, 2020. Tennyson Cooray's legacy as a talented actor, comedian, director, and writer continues to resonate within the Sri Lankan entertainment industry.