Anton Jude


Anton Jude Gomes, known as Anton Jude was an award-winning actor in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television. A career spanning for more than three decades, Jude was a popular comedian in television and cinema. He is best known for the comedy roles in Sabanda Pabilis, Sikuru Hathe and Sakisanda Suwaris.
He died on 19 March 2012 during a film shooting in Kelaniya.

Early life and career

Anton Jude Gomes was born on 28 November 1960 at Rathmalana, the eldest in a family of four children. He was inspired by his father, Clarence Gomes, for his singing talents. He studied at St. Anthony's Roman Catholic school in Mount Lavinia.
Jude made his debut on stage with Sashi Quintes's Sudu Haththak in 1978 and continued acting in films such as Bahubuthayo, Rankewita, Numba Nadan Apata Pissu, Sikuru Hathe, Rosa Kele, Ethumai Methumai and several other popular movies.
He acted in tele dramas Punchi Rala, Sabanda Pabilis, Sakisanda Elias, Isuru Yogaya and others. His song Ais Amma Gundu was also a popular hit among the masses. Jude created his first stage drama Sakisanda Madala, where the first screen was held on 29 December 2009 at the Elphinston Theatre.

Illness and death

Jude had been ailing for some time with high blood pressure and diabetes. He had been treated at the Nawaloka hospital in February 2012.
On the evening of 19 March 2012, Jude was rushed to the Colombo North Ragama hospital due to a cardiac arrest and at 11:20 p.m. he was pronounced dead on admission to the hospital. Jude died while he was working on a new film, 'Veeraya, while shooting at the director Sunil Arunasiri's place in Kelaniya. Jude was survived by his wife Manel. On 22 March 2012, his remains were buried at the Borella Cemetery, Colombo.

Filmography

YearFilmRole
1997Outside church talker
2002BahubuthayoBus Yakshaya
2003One ShotJohnny
2003Numba Nadan Apita PissuPC Walbanda
2005Samanala ThatuSarath
2006NilambarePodiyan
2007Sikuru HatheTransgender
2007No Problem Darling
2008Rosa KaleBasil
2008Walapatala
2009Sir Last ChanceDetective
2009Ali SurathalLiyana Mahaththaya
2009Leader
2010UththaraVictor
2010Mago Digo DaiSudu Mathathaya
2010Suwanda Denuna JeewitheGuest appearance
2011Ethumai Methumai
2012Super SixMinister
2012Jeevithe LassanaiPopa
2014Api Marenne NaDeepal. Posthumous release
tbdVeeryaGanesh. Posthumous release

Stage plays