MoE saddened at passing of theatre legend Henry Rodney

The Ministry of Education has expressed sympathy to the family of legendary Guyanese actor Henry Rodney who passed away on April 7 at the age of 63 at the Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, New York City.
The Education Ministry said that for years, Rodney kept Guyanese entertained through his many roles on the theatre stage and on television.
Over the past four decades, the Ministry said he performed in shows such as, “Nothing to Laugh About” and the “Link Show.” It pointed out that he was most popularly known as Franklin, a character he played in the local television sitcom, “Agree to Disagree”.

The Education Ministry said Rodney was passionate about the theatrical arts and made several valuable contributions to society. “He was one of the founding lecturers at the National Drama School. In addition to this, he worked along with the Ministry of Education in organising and hosting cultural events. He also lent his support to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security as a Child Rights and Women’s Rights advocate,” a statement from the Ministry reads.
According to the Ministry, the talented thespian spent over 35 years in the country’s education system as a drama, English, and literature teacher sharing his expertise at the St Joseph High School, St Rose’s High School, North Georgetown High School, APEX Academy, Cyril Potter College of Education and the Marian Academy. He also worked along with the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA). The missive added, “The Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand while saddened by his passing is grateful for his invaluable contributions which she believes will live on in all those he touched. The country is poorer without him”.
“Rodney has indeed left his mark on Guyanese society. He was a true son of the soil and his rich contributions to this nation will forever be treasured. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, family, and friends during this difficult time.”
Guyana Times understands that Rodney was in critical condition at the hospital after he suffered a heart attack three days before his passing. Rodney was a diverse artist in his own right, impacting theatre, spoken-word poetry, comedy, radio, and television in his 30-plus years of performing both locally and abroad – in the Caribbean, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
He was born on February 23, 1959, in the village of Beterverwagting on the East Coast of Demerara. He leaves to mourn his wife Joan and their daughters Tamara, Tuana, and Tchaiko.