Volier Johnson, the veteran actor who distinguished himself as one of Jamaica’s great theater personalities, died on July 9 at age 69. No official cause of death has been given, but Jamaican media report that he died at hospital in Kingston, shortly after collapsing at home. 

Johnson was a fixture on stage, television and film for 50 years. He starred or co-starred in numerous plays throughout the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s, often alongside Oliver Samuels, the king of Jamaican comedy. 

His death came as a shock to his peers. Johnson was scheduled to attend a birthday party for actress and longtime friend, Deon Silvera, on the day he died. 

Jamaican film-maker, Lennie Little-White, knew Johnson for over 40 years. He directed him in “Traxx”, a sitcom that ran for four seasons on local television. 

“He was the consummate professional. He came to the set every time knowing his lines,” said Little-White. 

Johnson began acting in the late 1960’s while in high school. In 1971, his mentor Trevor Rhone gave him a small part as a handcart peddler in “The Harder They Come”, a movie he co-wrote with fellow Jamaican Perry Henzell. 

That’s Johnson in the opening 10 minutes conning a naïve Ivan, played by Jimmy Cliff. 

For his services to theater, Volier Johnson was awarded the Order of Distinction by Jamaica’s government in 2013.

Written By Howard Cacmpbell