EVEN though he has received many standing ovations during his years as an outstanding stage actor,

Volier Johnson says receiving the Order of Distinction for services to Jamaican theatre is just as satisfying.

“I’m elated. It’s good to know people see your work and recommend you to be honoured. Over the years, I have worked hard and feel I deserve it,” said Johnson yesterday.

Johnson, who is in his early-60s, will receive the award on October 21 at the annual National Honours and Awards ceremony at King’s House in St Andrew.

He has been part of Jamaican theatre since the late-1960s when he appeared in plays directed by writer/director Trevor Rhone at St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS). In 1971, Rhone gave Johnson his first real role, as the handcart boy in The Harder They Come, the 1972 movie Rhone co-wrote with Perry Henzell.

Though he has appeared in other movies such as Rhone’s Milk and Honey and Better Mus’ Come, Johnson is best known for his prowess in theatre. Toy Boy, Operation P, Rose Slip and Trash are just some of the many productions in which he has starred.

Basil Dawkins directed Johnson in plays such as Power Play, What The Hell Is Happening To Us Dear?

and Toy Boy. Yesterday, he spoke of the actor’s professionalism and selflessness.

“He’s somebody you want on your team. He not only helps the younger actors but the director and

crew as well,” said Dawkins. “You couldn’t want a better person around the set.”

When Johnson started acting at STATHS, Rhone was his drama teacher. His first production was Rhone’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

He was only 19 years old when his mentor approached him to play the handcart peddler who rips off Jimmy Cliff’s character Ivan in the film’s downtown Kingston scene.

“When he told mi about it, I was excited. Just to be in the movie was great, no matter how small the part was,” Johnson told the Jamaica Observer last year.

Johnson considers his turn as Festus in Toy Boy as his most satisfying acting experience. He won an Actor Boy Award for the role in 1996.

Over the years, he has worked in comedies, dramas, musicals, revues, television and film. Johnson believes there is still new ground to be conquered.

“I would love to do a one-man show but fi tell yuh the truth I don’t know if at my age I can manage it,” he said laughing.