by Howard Campbell
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Winston Bell, whose 45-year appearing profession produced excellent performances in Jamaican theater and movie, died right here April 15 at age 63.
His shut buddy, Owen Ellis, confirmed his loss of life which occurred on his (Ellis’) birthday. The 2 had a 38 year-old comedic act often called Bello and Blakka.
Each graduates of the Jamaica College of Drama, they appeared collectively in a number of stage productions together with What’s Tradition? and Bruckins, a pantomime.
“We had nice inventive compatibility, I feel as a result of we got here from the identical space,” stated Ellis, who final spoke to Bell two weeks in the past.
They first met in 1976 as highschool college students each involved in theater. Bell was from Jones City whereas Ellis — whose uncle was famed singer Alton Ellis — is from neighboring Trench City.
He and Bell, who was additionally a gifted singer, co-wrote songs for artists together with Judy Mowatt of The I Three.
Bell made his identify as an actor in a lot of famous roles. As Alexander Bedward, the ill-fated prophet within the play Bedward, Pa Ben in Outdated Story Time and Floyd within the 1999 film, Third World Cop.
A crestfallen Ellis has discovered it tough coming to grips with the lack of his buddy of 47 years. Particularly since he died on his birthday.
“He at all times referred to as me on my birthday and wished me one of the best, and he died on my birthday. Take a look at that,” he stated.
Originally posted 2023-04-17 00:40:19.