Categories: Current Events

Wow. I’ve posted on a lot of deaths during the past week. Neville Willoughby, James Brown, Saddam and now Charles Hyatt. If I continue at this pace, my blog might as well be called an obituary. But back to the post at hand. Charles Hyatt died on New Year’s Day in Florida from liver cancer at the age of 75. He was a well-known and beloved Jamaican comedian, actor and broadcaster, though he was mostly known as a comedian. In fact, if you’ve never heard of Charles Hyatt, you’re probably not Jamaican. I heard of his death the other day, Tuesday I think it was. It didn’t hit me as much as Neville’s death, because I was closer to him, but I still felt a deep sense of loss. I grew up with him as well, laughing at his unique brand of comedy, though I cannot recall the programs I saw him on. Perhaps it was because they were so numerous or that it was so far back.

Many local actors paid their respects, calling him a professional and a great talent. I have to agree. He had a wide body of work, not surprising for a man whose career spanned nearly 50 years. He performed in 17 national pantomimes, several films, in which he brushed shoulders with greats such as Robin Williams, James Coburn and Denzel Washington, stage productions and radio dramas. He received many awards for his great work, such as the Actor Boy Awards, Silver Musgrave medal and The Order of Distinction. It seems that all the greats are dying out, and there are no replacements for them. Not like anyone could truly replace them. Is there no talent out there? At least he lived to see the new year, unlike Neville, James and Saddam. Walk good Charley.