Anton Jude

Jude was born on 28 November 1960 at Rathmalana,^[7] the eldest in a family of four children. He was inspired by his father, Clarence Gomes, for his singing talents.^[8] He studied at St. Anthony's Roman Catholic school in Mount Lavinia.^[9][10]

Jude made his debut on stage with Sashi Quintes's Sudu Haththak ("White Mushroom") in 1978 and continued acting in films such as Bahubuthayo, Rankewita, Numba Nadan Apata Pissu, Sikuru Hathe, Rosa Kele, Ethumai Methumai and several other popular movies.^[11]

He acted in tele dramas Punchi Rala, Sabanda Pabilis, Sakisanda Elias, Isuru Yogaya and others. His song Ais Amma Gundu (Una Puruke Balu Walige) was also a popular hit among the masses.^[12] Jude created his first stage drama Sakisanda Madala, where the first screen was held on 29 December 2009 at the Elphinston Theatre.^[13]

Jude had been ailing for some time with high blood pressure and diabetes. He had been treated at the Nawaloka hospital in February 2012. On the evening of 19 March 2012, Jude was rushed to the Colombo North Ragama hospital due to a cardiac arrest and at 11:20 pm he was pronounced dead on admission to the hospital.^[6] Jude died while he was working on a new film, 'Veerya, while shooting at the director Sunil Aruna Weerasiri's place in Kelaniya.^[14][15] Jude was survived by his wife Manel.^[16] On 22 March 2012, his remains were buried at the Borella Cemetery, Colombo.