Renowned Indian actor, theatre artist, host, and philanthropist Mayilsamy, celebrated for his comedic roles in Tamil cinema, passed away on February 19, 2023, at the age of 57 due to a cardiac arrest. His contributions to Tamil entertainment and beyond leave a lasting legacy.
Wiki/Biography
Mayilsamy (1965-2023), born October 2, 1965, in Tamil Nadu, harbored a passion for acting from a young age. He actively participated in numerous theatre productions across Tamil Nadu, honing his skills and captivating audiences.
Physical Appearance
His charming presence was further enhanced by his physical attributes.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height (approx.) | 5′ 7″ |
| Weight (approx.) | 75 kg |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Eye Colour | Black |
Family
Parents & Siblings
Detailed information regarding his parents and siblings remains scarce.
Wife & Children
Mayilsamy was married to Shantha. Their son, Arumainayagam Mayilsami (known as Anbu), followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in acting.
Other Relatives
In 2019, Anbu married Aishwarya, the daughter of K. Pitchandi, a prominent Tamil politician and Deputy Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
Career
Mimicry Artist
Before his acting career took off, Mayilsamy honed his skills as a mimicry artist. Interestingly, he even collaborated with stunt master Kanal Kannan, providing mimicry voices used as background scores in stunt scenes.
Film
Mayilsamy’s film debut was in “Dhavani Kanavugal” (1984), where he had a small role. Over a remarkable 39-year career, he appeared in nearly 200 films. Some notable films include “Gnanapazham” (1996), “Dhill” (2001), “Vaseegara” (2003), “Kanchana” (2011), “Sathiram Perunthu Nilaiyam” (2013), and “Idiot” (2022).
Television
Mayilsamy’s television journey began in 1996 with “Marmadesam” on Sun TV. He gained widespread recognition as a host, starting with “Comedy Time” in 2003. He later hosted various shows, including “Timekku Comedy” (2005) on Jaya TV and “Lollupa” (2019) on Sun TV. His talents extended to judging, as seen in his role on “Asathapovathu Yaaru” (2007) on Sun TV.
Dubbing Artist
His contributions extended to voice acting. He debuted as a dubbing artist in 1992 with “Kasthuri Manja,” providing his voice for Vadivelu. Other notable dubbing roles include those in “Selva” (1996), “Ullam Kollai Poguthae” (2001), “New” (2004), and his final role in “Glassmate” (2023), completed before his passing.
Award
In 2004, Mayilsamy received the prestigious Tamil Nadu State Government Award for Best Comedian for his performance in “Kangalal Kaidhu Sei.”
Death
Mayilsamy passed away around 5:30 am on February 19, 2023, due to a cardiac arrest. Reports suggest he felt unwell after a performance and was admitted to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Rajinikanth, in an interview, offered a touching tribute, suggesting that Mayilsamy’s death on Shivaratri was not coincidental but a divine calling.
Facts/Trivia
* Mayilsamy was a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, making yearly pilgrimages to the Marundeeswarar Temple in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai.
* He performed at the Kelambakkam Shiva temple in Vandalur on February 17, 2023, just days before his passing. He expressed a final wish to bring Rajinikanth to the temple.
* His comedic pairings with Vivek and Vadivelu remain cherished by audiences.
* A dedicated fan of M.G. Ramachandran, he worked alongside many superstars, including Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth.
* In 2021, he ran as an independent candidate in the Virugambakkam assembly elections.