Leading lady!
Leonie Forbes has played many roles in a decorated career which has comprised film, television and stage. However, it is her current appearance as Mavis Jones in David Tulloch’s heart-rending Not My Child, at the Green Gables Theatre in Kingston, which she cites as her most challenging.
Not My Child is the true story about a 14-year-old girl who was killed in eastern Jamaica two years ago.
The incident made national headlines and dominated newscasts even after an arrest was made.
Forbes’ Mavis Jones is grandmother of Deandra Myrie, played by Crystal Fletcher/Joanna Johnson.
“When David called me and told me about this play, I did not hesitate. It’s an amazing story and the cast that has been selected to bring this to life is just wonderful,” Forbes said.
This is her first role since 2014’s For My Daughter and Basil Dawkins’ Forbidden.
For someone whose career started in the late 1950s, Forbes admits being intimidated when she first read the script.
“I knew that David wouldn’t have asked me to play this role if he thought I couldn’t do it. It’s one of the strongest plays I’ve ever done because it’s all about our reality. The role was extremely challenging. I’m not accustomed to being offered dem worthless woman, bad woman roles. But it’s a wonderful way to work with a team and the support,” she said.
Forbes, who is in her late 70s, began acting as a teenager. She is widely considered the first lady of Jamaican theatre, appearing in countless plays and pantomimes.
Her films include Lenny Little-White’s Children of Babylon, Glory to Glorianna and the television series Going to Extremes.
“What I like most about acting is helping people to forget their problems and misery for a couple hours. I enjoy acting,” she said.
Forbes also worked as a journalist. She was employed at the government-run Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) for a number of years in various positions during the 1960s to the 1980s.
Her long list of accolades include the My Life in Theatre Medal from the Mexican Theatre Centre; and five ITI Actor Boy awards for Best Actress.
Forbes is also a recipient of the Order of Distinction (Officer Class).
