Thomas Berly obit

Actor Thomas Berly passes away

Berly later moved to the US and acted in a few Hollywood movies including Never So Few and a few television series, mostly playing the role of a Mexican cowboy.

 

He was not on the list.

KOCHI: Actor Thomas Berly, (Kurishingal Thomas Berly) who is perhaps among the first from south India to act in Hollywood movies, in the 1950s, passed away on Monday. He was 92. 

Berley, a Fort Kochi native, was a director, producer, and scriptwriter too. He made his film debut through Thiramala in 1953.

He later moved to the US and acted in a few Hollywood movies including Never So Few and a few television series, mostly playing the role of a Mexican cowboy.

Ithu Manushyano, the 1973 film with Sheela and K P Ummer in the lead roles, directed by him was released 20 years after his acting debut. The song from the film Sukhamoru Bindu Dukhamoru Bindu remains an evergreen hit.

He also directed Vellarikkaappattanam starring Prem Nazir and Sukumari in 1983. The actor-writer also published a few books including Beyond Heart (2000), Fragrant Petals (2004), and O Kerala (2007).

Thomas Burleigh Kurishingal, a versatile actor, director, and artist from Fort Kochi, passed away at the age of 92. Known for his debut in Thiramala (1953) alongside Sathyan, Thomas later ventured into Hollywood, frequently portraying Mexican characters in films and television.

Born on September 1, 1932, in Fort Kochi, Kerala, Thomas showcased exceptional talent from a young age. At just 21, he became one of the youngest heroes in Malayalam cinema with Thiramala. His passion for acting led him to the University of California, Los Angeles, where he honed his craft. While in the U.S., Thomas appeared in minor roles in English films such as Never So Few (1959) and various TV series, often cast as a Mexican cowboy. He also produced Maya, a children's English film.

A Multitalented Persona

Thomas was not only an actor but also a skilled magician, violinist, painter, and writer. His literary contributions included Beyond Heart (2000), a prose poetry collection; Fragrant Petals (2004), a tribute to his father; O Kerala (2007), a cartoon book; and Sacred Savage (2017), a historical novel.

He acted in a few English movies and television series in small roles. He acted in a Hollywood movie Never So Few in 1959. He produced an English movie, Maya for children. He was also interested in magic, violin, Madeleine instrumental music and painting. His painting Galiyan was selected and shown on International festivals.

Return to India and Filmmaking

After returning to India in 1969, Thomas initially pursued seafood exports before reentering the film industry. He directed Ithu Manushyano?? (1973), which featured the popular song Sughamoru Bindu Dukhamoru Bindu. Later, in 1985, he directed Vellarikkaappattanam, starring Prem Nazir.

Personal Life

Thomas was married to Sophie, with whom he had three children—Tanya, Tarun, and Tamina—and three grandchildren, Tahir, Kiara, and Kayaan. He spent his later years at his family home in Fort Kochi, continuing to inspire others with his boundless creativity and love for life.

After being treated for age-related illnesses at a private hospital in Kochi, Thomas passed away on Tuesday. He is survived by his wife, Sophie, and their children, Tanya, Tarun, and Tamina. His legacy as an artist and visionary will be cherished forever.

Filmography

As an actor

Thiramaala (1953)

Double Barrel (2015)

Direction

Ithu Manushyano (1973)

Vellarikkaappattanam (1985)

Story

Ithu Manushyano? (1973)

Vellarikkaappattanam (1985)

Screenplay

Ithu Manushyano? (1973)

Vellarikkaappattanam (1985)

Production

Ithu Manushyano? (1973)

Vellarikkaappattanam (1985)

Dialogue

Ithu Manushyano? (1973)

Music

"Mangalangal"... Vellarikkaappattanam (1985)

"Romaancham Poothirangum"... Vellarikkaappattanam

"Hemantha Kalam" ... Vellarikkaappattanam