Thomas Berly, a pioneering figure in South Indian cinema and one of the earliest Malayalis to grace Hollywood screens, passed away at the age of 92 on Monday. Known for his versatility as an actor, director, producer, writer, illustrator, artist, and musician, Berly’s creative endeavors spanned continents and mediums, leaving an enduring legacy.
Born on September 1, 1932, in Fort Kochi, Thomas Berly began his cinematic journey in 1953 with the film Thiramala. Despite his commitment to Malayalam cinema, early commercial success eluded him, prompting his move to Hollywood. At the University of California, he pursued Applied Arts, which opened the doors to acting roles in Hollywood films. Notably, he appeared in Never So Few (1959) alongside Frank Sinatra and gained recognition through roles in cowboy classics like Wanted Dead or Alive, Have Gun, Will Travel, and Gunsmoke.
Berly also made significant contributions as a writer, scripting Maya and the Elephant, which inspired the children’s film Maya. Upon returning to India in 1969, he collaborated with Aslam Khan, brother of Bollywood legend Dilip Kumar, and started illustrating for notable publications such as Illustrated Weekly and Shankar’s Weekly.
In the Malayalam film industry, Berly’s creativity flourished as he directed and produced films like Ithu Manushyano (1973) and Vellarikkaappattanam (1983). As an author, he penned works like Beyond Heart (2000) and Fragrant Petals (2004), along with the cartoon series O Kerala (2007).
After decades away from acting, Berly made a memorable return in Lijo Jose Pellissery’s Double Barrel. His contributions to cinema and art continue to inspire future generations, marking him as a true visionary who bridged cultures through his creative pursuits.
