Lennie Little-White, creator of hit local series Royal Palm Estate, credits Munair Zacca’s inspirational presence for making that show a success.

The soap opera, one of the most successful shows in Jamaican television, first aired on CVM Television in 1994.

Zacca, who died on April 2 at age 79, played Sonny T, arguably its most popular character.

“Munair was a motivational actor who lifted the quality of acting on the show, which made things much easier for me as a director and writer,” Little-White told the Jamaica Observer.

Zacca and Little-White were classmates at Jamaica College during the early 1960s. Although they were involved in film and theatre for many years, Royal Palm Estate was their first project together.

Little-White filmed the pilot for the show in 1991. He wanted an authentic depiction of the dying plantation system in Jamaica and Zacca was perfect for Sonny “Sonny T” Tavares, the intimidating uptown, mixed-race drug/arms dealer.

“I didn’t audition him. I knew long before that Munair fit the part. It was a no-brainer,” Little-White recalled.

Zacca came into Royal Palm Estate with impressive credentials. He had appeared in numerous plays and pantomimes, as well as a handful of films.

Along with Reggie Carter, who played plantation owner Ted Blackburn, and Cyrene Tomlinson, as housekeeper Miss Joyce, Zacca represented the classic age of Jamaican acting that emerged during the 1960s.

“He had this ability to immerse himself in any role he played. That’s what they call method acting in the business,” Little-White explained. “Munair was very good at that, and it set him apart from many actors.”

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange said Zacca was one of the best home-grown acting talent to have emerged in Jamaica.

“He was one of the founders of Theatre 77, along with the late Trevor Rhone and Yvonne Brewster, and together they took theatre to small venues, beginning with the 150-seat Barn Theatre on Oxford Road in New Kingston,” she said.

“Munair Zacca will long be remembered as an actor whose talent enriched both stage and screen,” Grange added.

Zacca leaves behind widow Adelina, their two daughters, and a host of relatives and friends.

— Howard Campbell