KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian audiences may remember Anna and the King — the 1999 Hollywood production starring Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-Fat — not just for its regal drama but also for the pride of seeing familiar local sights and faces on screen.
Filmed extensively in Ipoh, Langkawi and Penang, the film featured several Malaysian actors alongside its A-list leads, including veteran thespian Mano Maniam.
Best known to local audiences as the affable Uncle Chandran in the hit sitcom Kopitiam, Mano died last night at the age of 79. His passing was confirmed by his younger brother, Madi Maniam.
“His passing was due to old age and occurred naturally. However, further details have yet to be finalised with the family. The funeral is expected to take place this Monday at Bliss Gardens, Shah Alam,” Madi said, according to Bernama.
Born on November 15, 1945, Mano was a mainstay of the Malaysian arts scene for nearly six decades.
Since 1965, he built a formidable career as an actor, director, writer, acting coach and voice-over artist — contributing to both local and international productions.
His film and television credits extended well beyond Anna and the King, including a role in the Netflix historical epic Marco Polo and numerous Tamil- and English-language dramas produced in Malaysia.
On home ground, he achieved widespread fame through Kopitiam, which ran from 1999 to 2003 on TV3, acting alongside Douglas Lim, Rashid Salleh, Joanna Bessey, Lina Teoh and Chew Kin Wah.
In theatre circles, Mano was respected not just for his stagecraft but also for his commitment to nurturing talent.
In recent years, he continued to teach acting, particularly for senior citizens, at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC).
He also remained active in voice work, most notably as the voice of Tok Din in the English-language adaptation of the beloved Malaysian animated series Kampung Boy.
Mano’s film roles also included a part in Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa, further cementing his legacy as a versatile actor across mediums and genres.
He was scheduled to be honoured at an awards ceremony tonight at HGH Convention Hall, Sentul, in recognition of his contributions to the Indian community and the development of the performing arts in Malaysia.
While he may have played supporting roles on screen, Mano was a towering presence in Malaysian culture — remembered as much for his warmth and generosity as for the quiet dignity he brought to every performance. — May 31, 2025