‘This is a great loss to the industry’

The film and theatre community is mourning the loss of award-winning actor Christopher McFarlane.

Known for his roles in films such as Ghett’a Life and Better Mus’ Come, along with several other plays and local productions, McFarlane passed early Saturday morning. The cause of his death is still unknown.

Director Storm Saulter, who worked with McFarlane on the film Better Mus’ Come, is both shocked and saddened by the news.

“We have lost so many great phenomenal actors in recent times. He (McFarlane) was the kind of actor to always raise the calibre of whatever production he is working on,” Saulter told The Gleaner, adding that he had been looking forward to working with McFarlane again.

“I remember when we were both on set for Better Mus’ Come and there were several young actors or actors who were new to the business and just with him being there it pushed so many of them to raise their game. He has that kind of influence on everybody he would work with. I was certainly looking forward to working with him again but was just waiting for the right project, so this is tough. I send my condolences to the family and to the rest of the world who would have come across his work. This is a great loss to the industry,” he continued.

McFarlane was a past student of the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts. Speaking with The Gleaner, former head of the drama department Eugene Williams recalls working with him during his time at the school.

“He was a student of the School of Drama. I remember I had the worked with him while he was there when I directed him on An Echo In the Bone when he was in second year. He brought quite a sensitive interpretation which was certainly of substance to his character. But I must say his passing is quite shocking to me. He was a young vibrant actor and person. I was quite surprised to learn of his death. I extend my condolences to his family and friends, particularly those who worked closely with him. I was not fortunate enough to work with him after school but I have seen performances of his. He was very popular in the theatre community, greatly missed,” Williams said.

McFarlane was nominated for an Actor Boy Award for his work in An Echo In the Bone and received several other Actor Boy nominations and two awards including Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Who God Bless by Basil Dawkins, as well as, Best Actor in a Lead Role for his performance in A Tempest.