Veteran 'Kopitiam' Actor Mano Maniam Dies At 79
He was a beloved fixture in Malaysian theatre and TV.
Cover image via The Malaysian entertainment industry is mourning the loss of veteran actor Mano Maniam, who passed away last week at the age of 79
Image via Kopitiam/IMDb
He was best known for his beloved role as Uncle Chan in the iconic local sitcom Kopitiam.
According to FMT, news of his death was confirmed by his brother, Madi Maniam, who said Mano was found in his apartment on 31 May.
While the exact cause of death remains unknown, the family has since begun funeral arrangements and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support.
"He lived a full life. He valued his freedom but always stayed connected with us, with my family, his nephews and nieces," Madi said.
A familiar face in Malaysian theatre, television, and voiceover circles, Mano's contribution to the arts extended far beyond the screen
As an actor, director, drama coach, writer, and voice artist, he left behind a rich legacy that influenced generations of performers.
His role as the warm and witty Uncle Chan in Kopitiam, which aired on TV3 from 1999 to 2003, made him a household name.
The English-language sitcom featured a diverse ensemble cast including Douglas Lim, Rashid Salleh, Joanna Bessey, Lina Teoh, and Chew Kin Wah, and is fondly remembered by many Malaysians as a pioneer of local comedy TV.
Even in his later years, Mano remained active, lending his voice to various projects and teaching acting.
Image via Double Vision/FMT
In a poignant twist, Mano was scheduled to receive a special award that very evening, on 31 May, for his lifelong dedication to Indian cultural arts and Malaysian theatre
According to his brother, Mano had already prepared his suit for the occasion.
"This evening, he will be there in spirit," Madi said on the day of his passing.
Tributes from the theatre and entertainment world have poured in since the news broke.
The Actors Studio, who had long collaborated with him, honoured him as more than just a character actor:
"To the world, he was Moonshee in Anna and the King. To Malaysians, he was Uncle Chandran. To theatre folks, he was just Mano — generous, wise, and always kind."
Founders Joe Hasham and Faridah Merican also shared that they had recently caught up with him and were planning a future collaboration for 2026.
Douglas Lim, who starred alongside Mano in Kopitiam, remembered him as a vital mentor during the early days of his TV career.
"Mano was always passionate about the arts and the environment. In my eyes, he will always be the free-spirited, adventure-loving, caring, and generous Uncle Mano," Lim shared, according to FMT.
Though he may be gone, Mano's spirit and influence will continue to echo through the halls of Malaysian theatre and on the screens where audiences first fell in love with his characters
Thank you for all the laughs and good times on screen, Mano. May you rest well.
Image via Kopitiam/IMDb
