Mabel Blythe


Mabel Josephine Blythe was a popular Sri Lankan actress and singer who appeared in early Sinhala films opposite Eddie Jayamanne.

Personal life

Blythe was born on March 28, 1930. Blythe married Ranjith Anthony and settled in Nuwara Eliya subsequently relying on a Tower Hall pension.

Career

Actress Jemini Kantha introduced her to B. A. W. Jayamanne who cast Blythe in Hadisi Vinishchaya opposite Eddie Jayamanne. She subsequently had similar roles in Sengawunu Pilithura, Umathu Wishwasaya, Kele Handa, Iranganie, Matha Bedhaya, Perakadoru Bena, Daiwa Wipaakaya, Vanaliya, Kawata Andare and Mangalika.
Blythe sang in her movies. Her song "Sara Goiya" done for Daiwa Wipaakaya is considered one of the longest songs in Sri Lankan cinema running in at eight minutes. Blythe dueted with Mohideen Baig on "Surathaliye Sukumaliye" for the same film. Earlier she did several duets with Eddie Jayamanne.
Blythe's later movies include Senasuma Kothanada, Geetha, Sujeewa, Sukiri Kella and Mangala. She also appeared in two South Indian films, Walliyin Selvan and Periya Ediththa Pen. Blythe retired from film after filling in the role originally done by Jemini Kantha in the remake of Kadawunu Poronduwa pairing with Eddie Jayamanne one last time.
She was presented the Sarasaviya Rantisara Award in 2002.

Filmography

YearFilmRoleRef.
1950Hadisi VinischayaSrimathi
1951Sengawunu PilithuraNancina
1952Umathu WishvasayaLizzy
1953Kele HandaMissy
1954IranganieMargret
1955MathabhedayaMillie
1956Daiva VipakayaShiromala
1958Wanaliya
1959Hadisi VivahayaAnta
1970GeethaMabel
1976Hariyata HariLeticia
1982Kadawunu Poronduwa remakeJosie
1949Peralena Iranama
1955Perakadoru Bena
1961Jeewitha Poojawa
1963Mangalika
1964Kala Kala De Pala Pala De
1964Sujage Rahasa
1966Senasuma Kothanada
1967Pipena Kumudu
1967Magul Poruwa
1967Sarana
1972SujeewaSujeewa's mother
1975Sookiri KellaDayawathie
1985Raththaran Kanda
1991Cheriyo DoctorMrs. Saparamadu
1992Jaya Sri We Kumariye
1993Jeewan Malli
2003Sepata Dukata SunnyMala's mother