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Bill Flynn

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Bill Flynn
Born
William Frederick Flynn

(1948-12-13)13 December 1948
Cape Town, South Africa
Died11 July 2007(2007-07-11) (aged 58)
Johannesburg, South Africa
Occupation(s)Actor, comedian
Spouses
Parent(s)Mary Flynn, William Frederick

William Flynn (13 December 1948 – 11 July 2007) was a South African actor and comedian, perhaps best known for playing Tjokkie.

Early life

Flynn was born William Frederick Flynn in Cape Town and matriculated from Plumstead High School.[1] He went to the UCT drama school and was a founder member of the Space theatre in Cape Town. He was the son of William Frederick and Mary Elizabeth (Née Morley)

Overview

Flynn was perhaps best known for his portrayal of Tjokkie, a character that he portrayed as a wise-cracking, beer drinking rugby union fan. Flynn had won 13 best actor awards, including the Dublin Critics and Golden Entertainer Awards. Among these were:[2]

  • Best Supporting Actor for DoublesFleur du Cap – Cape Town – 1987
  • Best Actor for Saturday Night at the Palace
  • Best Actor Award for Hello and Goodbye – Dublin
  • Best Actor Award for a Comedy Play It Again Sam
  • Best Screenplay Award for Saturday Night at the Palace
  • Best Actor Award for role of Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman

His film writing also won him a Best Screenplay award for Saturday Night at the Palace. His karate comedy movie Kill and Kill Again was a top box office hit in America. Bill's movie of Saturday Night at The Palace won several Vita Film Awards, a Best Actor award at the Italian Taormina Film festival as well as a Merit Award at the Los Angeles Film Festival.

He was a longtime friend and collaborator of the actor and playwright Paul Slabolepszy.

Flynn was also involved in the music world. He was a co-founder and band member of The Rock Rebels (1998–2007) and the lead singer for Vinnie and the Viscounts (1987–1997).[3]

At the time of his death, Flynn was married to actress Jana Cilliers, his second wife.[3]

Death

Flynn died in Johannesburg, South Africa on 11 July 2007 of an apparent heart attack.[4] He was 58 years old. His highly successful career included leading roles in over 140 stage plays, musicals, 42 films, dozens of TV shows and thousands of radio and TV commercials.

Filmography

Music

CD as singer

  • Toyi Kaka – 1995
  • I Don't Like Cricket, I Love It – 1996
  • B.O.K.K.E. – 1999
  • Gees
  • Gooi My A Tenor
  • Tenors Racket
  • Rainbow Warrior

CD as group

  • Get Vrot – Vinnie & The Viscounts
  • Rock & Roll Party – Vinnie & The Viscounts
  • Get This – The Rock Rebels
  • Gooi Mielies – The Rock Rebels

References

  1. ^ Saayman, Marianke (11 July 2016). "On this day in history: Popular comedian Bill Flynn dies at age 58". Potchefstroom Herald. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  2. ^ "Mr William "Bill" FLYNN". 24.com. Archived from the original on 14 January 2008. Retrieved 19 March 2008.
  3. ^ a b "Bill Flynn 'was SA's most loved actor'". The Mail & Guardian. 11 July 2007. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  4. ^ "Beloved S. African actor Bill Flynn dead at 58". Reuters. Retrieved 20 September 2024.

Baxter Theatre Stills