Ronnie Luke Leitch, famous island-wide Thattaya, was born on October 19 1953 and passed away at the age of 64. He was known in every household as a comedian, singer and presenter. Ronnie Leitch won many hearts and was a household name for most families due to his humorous nature, kindness and his talent in spreading laughter. Leitch gained fame for singing over 350 songs and acting in over 40 films and stage dramas.
Movies
Mother Teresa: In the Name of God’s Poor (1997)
A film directed by Kevin Connor and casted by a diversity of actors such as Keene Curtis, Helena Carroll, Ravindra Randheniya and much more. Ronnie Leitch played the role of Hari and the film showcases the journey of Mother Teresa and how her endeavours aimed at helping the unfortunate progressed towards her receiving the Nobel Prize.
Re Daniel Dawal Migel (1998) and Re Daniel Dawal Migel 2 (2000)
A comedy, action film series directed by Roy de Silva and produced by Soma Edirisinghe for E.A.P Films, which stars the comic duo Bandu Samarasinghe, and Tennyson Cooray in lead roles along with Ranjan Ramanayake, Sangeetha Weeraratne and Maduranga Chandimal. Ronnie Leitch was cast as the cobra helper throughout the film series. The second film in the series successfully lasted in the cinemas for over 100 days.
Hai Hui Babi Achchi (2001)
A Sinhala comedy, masala film directed by Herbert Ranjith Peiris and produced by Lalindra Wijewickrama for Lalindra Films. It stars Bandu Samarasinghe in lead and other actors such as Sanjeewa Mallawarachchi, Gemunu Wijesuriya, and Quintus Weerakoon. Leitch is cast as Wickramabahu Podi Appu and it is the 956th Sri Lankan film of the Sinhalese cinema industry.
Gonsun and Gonsun (2001)
Informally known as Jonson and Gonson, “Gonsun and Gonsun” is a romantic thriller directed by Roy de Silva. Its cast consists of popular stars such as Ranjan Ramanayake, Tennyson Cooray, Sangeetha Weeraratne ,Gemunu Wijesuriya, Jayantha Bopearachchi and Sunil Hettiarachchi. R. Leitch starred as the Thatta Sira in this 2001 film.
Sepata Dukata Sunny (2003)
A family film directed by Roy de Silva, starring Bandu Samarasinghe in lead role along with Sangeetha Weeraratne, Cletus Mendis. Ronnie Leitch stars as Charlie.
Numba Nadan Apata Pissu (2003)
A comedy action film directed by Milton Jayawardena and produced by Sunil Aruna Weerasiri. It stars Bandu Samarasinghe and Sasanthi Jayasekara in lead roles and Ronnie Leitch is cast as Mr. Balthazar.
Magodi Godai (2010)
A comedy film directed by Srilal Priyadeva and produced by Janitha Marasinghe, this moviestars Vijaya Nandasiri, singer Gamini Susiriwardana and Anarkali Akarsha with Ronnie Leitch staring as Dhanawansa.
Thank You Berty (2010)
A Sri Lankan action-comedy film written by Tennyson Cooray as his directorial debut and starring a number of Sri Lankan comedians, including Bandu Samarasinghe, Dilhani Ekanayake, Ronnie Leitch, Ananda Wickramage, Mahendra Perera, Anusha Damayanthi, Nilanthi Dias, and Cletus Mendis. The film premiered in Melbourne, Australia on August 7, 2010.
Kauda Machan Alice (2014)
A film directed by Lesli Siriwardana and co-produced by Raj Ranasinghe and Ashok Ranasinghe, this filmstars Wimal Kumara de Costa and Ronnie Leitch in lead roles amongst other actors such as Wilson Gunarathna and Samanthi Lenarol. Ronnie Leitch was cast as Thattaya.
My Name is Bandu (2015)
A comedy, family film directed and produced by Suranga de Alwis, the cast consist of stars such as Bandu Samarasinghe, Anusha Damayanthi ,Rodney Warnakula, Roy de Silva and Mark Samson. Ronnie Leitch was cast as the OIC in this 2015 classic.
Yama Raja Siri (2018)
A comedy written, directed, edited and produced by Sajeewa Sankalpa. The film features comedy duo Bandu Samarasinghe and Tennyson Cooray in lead roles, and other actors such as Rex Kodippili, Kumara Thirimadura and Nadeesha Hemamali. Ronnie Leitch was cast as King Yama in this 2018 comedy.
These are few among many of Ronnie Leitch’s film appearances and masterpieces. Do get in touch with us and let us know which ones were your favorites.
Songs
Ronnie Leitch’s album “Thattaya” is a masterpeice which will not fade with time. The “Thattaya” consisted of 17 tracks and among them the famous ones being “Kauda Bole Alice”, “Thattaya”, “Api Katada Baya”, “Ai Api Kaluda”, “Bothale”. His music is often played at weddings and parties, and lives in every Sri Lankan’s heart.
