Bill Flynn

Bill Flynn (December 13, 1948 – July 11, 2007 Johannesburg) was a well known South African film and theater actor and comedian. He was born in Cape Town and matriculated from Plumstead High School. He went to the UCT drama school and was a founder member of the Space theatre in Cape Town. Flynn and Bobby Heaney took Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" to South African audiences in 2001, with Flynn playing the role of Willie Loman.

infobox actor
name = Bill Flynn

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image_size =
caption =
birthdate = 13 December 1948
birthplace = Cape Town, South Africa
deathdate = 11 July 2007
deathplace = Johannesburg, South Africa
occupation = Actor
spouse = Anne Power (1st) and Jana Cilliers (2nd)
parents = Mary
children =

Overview

Flynn was perhaps best known for his portrayal of Tjokkie, a character which Flynn portrayed as a wise cracking, beer drinking rugby union fan. He had won 13 best actor awards, including the "Dublin Critics" and "Golden Entertainer Awards". Among these were: cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Mr William "Bill" FLYNN | date= | publisher=24.com | url =http://www.whoswhosa.co.za/Pages/profilefull.aspx?IndID=5525 | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2008-03-19 | language = ]

* Best Supporting Actor for "Doubles" - Fleur du Cap - Cape Town - 1987
* Best Actor for "Saturday Night at the Palace"
* Best Actor Award for "Hello and Goodbye" - Dublin
* Best Actor Award for a Comedy "Play It Again Sam"
* Best Screenplay Award for "Saturday Night at the Palace"
* Best Actor Award for role of "Willy Loman" in "Death of a Salesman"

His film writing also won him a Best Screenplay award for "Saturday Night at the Palace". His karate comedy movie Kill and Kill Again was a top box office hit in America. Bill's movie of "Saturday Night at The Palace" won several Vita Film Awards, a Best Actor award at the Italian Taormina Film festival as well as a Merit Award at the Los Angeles Film Festival.

He was a longtime friend and collaborator of the actor and playwright Paul Slabolepszy.

Flynn was also involved in the music world. He was a co-founder and band member of "The Rock Rebels" (1998 - 2007) and the lead singer for "Vinnie and the Viscounts" (1987 - 1997).

At the time of his death Flynn was married to actress Jana Cilliers, his second wife.

Flynn died in Johannesburg, South Africa on July 11, 2007, of an apparent heart attack. He was 58 at the time of his death. His highly successful career includes leading roles in over 140 stage plays, musicals, 42 films, dozens of TV shows and thousands of radio and TV commercials.

Filmography

* House of the Living Dead, 1973
* Hello and Goodbye, 1979
* Kill and Kill Again, 1981
* City Lovers, 1982
* Prisoners of the Lost Universe, 1983
* Funny People II, 1983
* Magic Is Alive, My Friend, 1985
* Senor Smith, 1986
* Saturday Night at the Palace, 1987
* Kwagga Strikes Back, 1990
* Die Prince van Pretoria, 1993
* Kalahari Harry, 1994
* Guns of Honor, 1994
* Marie s'en va t-en guerre, 1994
* Treasure at Elephant Ridge, 1995
* Human Timebomb, 1996
* Heel Against the Head, 1999
* The Carruthers Brothers, 2000
* Oh Schuks... I'm Gatvol, 2004
* Jozi Streets, 2004
* Krakatoa - The Last Days, 2006
* Running Riot, 2006

Music

CD as singer

* "Toyi Kaka" - 1995
* "I Don't Like Cricket, I Love It" - 1996
* "B.O.K.K.E." - 1999
* "Gees"
* "Gooi My A Tenor"
* "Tenors Racket"
* "Rainbow Worrior"

CD as group

* "Get Vrot" - Vinnie & The Viscounts
* "Rock & Roll Party" - Vinnie & The Viscounts
* "Get This" - The Rock Rebels
* "Gooi Mielies" - The Rock Rebels

References

External links

*imdb|0283412
* [http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=3015&art_id=vn20070715084823945C960815 IOL: Flynn's death leaves gap in industry]
* [http://allafrica.com/stories/200707170497.html allAfrica.com: Bill Flynn Obituary]
* [http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=3015&art_id=nw20070712120703919C687623 Indepdencent Online: Flynn brought laughter - DA]
* [http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=125&art_id=vn20070713001053440C509934Indepdent Online: Talent and utter niceness Flynn's trademarks]
* [http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117968660.html?categoryId=25&cs=1 Variety Magazine: Bill Flynn, 58, South African actor; Veteran thesp won 13 best actor awards]
* [http://www.sabcnews.com/entertainment/the_arts/0,2172,152393,00.html SABC News: Arts community shocked at Flynn's untimely death]
* [http://www.thetimes.co.za/Columnists/ChrisBarron/Article.aspx?id=516001 The Times: Bill Flynn: A seriously funny man]
* [http://www.iafrica.com/news/sa/493427.htm Shock as actor Bill Flynn dies]