Mercy Edirisinghe facts for kids

Donna Mercy Nalini Edirisinghe (born December 18, 1945 – died March 17, 2014) was a famous actress and singer from Sri Lanka. She was well-known for her work in movies, theater, and television. Many people loved her funny roles in TV shows and radio dramas. One of her most famous radio shows was 'Vinoda Samaya', where she acted with other popular comedians like Annesly Dias and Berty Gunattileke.

Mercy started singing in 1964. She became a stage actress in 1966. Her most famous play was a musical called Tharavo Igilethi. A song from this play, "Made Lagina Tharawan," became very popular.

About Mercy's Life

Mercy Edirisinghe was born on December 18, 1945. Her birthplace was Wellahenawatte, Ambepussa, Sri Lanka. She was the third of nine children in her family. Her father, Don Lorenzo Elvin Edirisinghe, worked at a printing press. Her mother, Grace Perera, was a housewife.

Mercy went to several schools. These included Ambepussa Sarasavi College and St. Joseph's College. She also studied at Pamunuwila Roman Catholic College. She had many brothers and sisters.

Mercy's husband was Lalith Kotalawela. They did not have any children. Mercy was very dedicated to her fans. Right after her wedding, she acted in a play called 'Muthu Kumari'. This happened on her way to her honeymoon! Lalith passed away in 2002. Mercy had started a restaurant with him in 2000. After his death, she became ill and could not keep the restaurant open.

Mercy's Passing

Mercy had been unwell for some time since 2012. She had several health issues. She passed away at a hospital in Gampaha on March 17, 2014. She was 68 years old.

Her body was placed at the Art Gallery for people to pay their respects. Later, a special procession took her to her home in Ambepussa. Her funeral was held on March 19, 2014. She was buried at the Ambepussa Roman Catholic Cemetery.

Mercy's Acting Journey

Mercy's first stage performance was at age 7. She acted in a play called Maria Kurenthi at her school. She also sang in the church choir. A priest named Father Ernest Poruthota encouraged her. He invited her to act in another play.

Mercy started acting on the public stage in 1967. She performed in plays like Aluth Dawasak. She also learned singing and Kandyan dance. She saw an advertisement for actors in a newspaper. She applied and was chosen for the play Nil Katarolu. Her strong voice helped her get the role.

After this, she was invited to play a Japanese-Chinese woman in the play 'Thaththa'. Mercy said that the play Tikki Tikiri Tikirilia was the most challenging for her.

She played an old character in the play Kwuruth Enne Na. Mercy acted in many other plays. Some of these include Harima Badu Hayak and Muthu Kumari. Her most famous stage roles were in Tharavo Igilethi and Ran Kanda.

In 1974, Mercy won the Best Actress Award. This was for her role in the play 'Idama'. She won two more Best Actress awards in 1975 and 1976.

Mercy in Films

Mercy started her film career in 1976. Her first movie was Walmathwuwo. She then acted in many films. She played both funny and serious roles. Some of her films include Diyamanthi, Paḷagæṭiyō, and Hita Honda Puthek.

Mercy on Radio and TV

Mercy was also a very popular voice on Sri Lankan radio. She acted in many radio dramas. She was known as "Doolittle" in Handiya Gedara. She also played "Ungu" in Samanala Bedda.

Besides radio, she acted in several television shows. She was especially good at comedy. She had a memorable role in the popular comedy show, Vinoda Samaya. She acted alongside famous comedians like Annesley Dias and Berty Gunathilake. Mercy's last TV role was in the show Amanda.

In 2014, Mercy celebrated 50 years in her career. She was going to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. This was to honor her great work in the arts. Before she passed away, her autobiography was released. It was called "Hela Hasa Rajina: Mercy Edirisinghe."

Stage drama

• Ugurata Hora Beheth
• Ran Kanda
• Seelavathi
• Vishwa Sundari
• Muthu Kumari
• Tharavo Igilethi
• Idama
• Dunna Dunu Gamuwe
• Allapu Gedara
• Dewlo Doni

Radio

• Muwanpelassa
• Vajira
• Samanala Bedda
• Handhiye Gedara
• Vinoda Samaya

Music albums

• Gayay Mercy Gee
• Mala Watakara Bambara Rena

Filmography

• No. denotes the Number of Sri Lankan film in the Sri Lankan cinema.

See also

In Spanish: Mercy Edirisinghe para niños