Hollywood actor Thomas Burleigh, who debuted in Mollywood’s first musical hit, passes away

Kochi: Fort Kochi native and Mollywood director-actor Thomas Burleigh Kurishungal, who also appeared in a few Hollywood movies and TV series, has passed away at the age of 92. Thomas made his film debut with the Mollywood musical hit Thiramala (1953), starring opposite actor Sathyan. Later, he transitioned to Hollywood, often portraying Mexican characters. “I was often mistaken for a Mexican,” he once told Onmanorama. “I knew a smattering of Spanish to speak to them. When I told them I was from India, they would point to a dot on their foreheads.”

Thomas noted that during the 1950s and 60s, Hollywood offered no roles for Indian actors. “My agent would tell me he could get me roles as a Mexican because I looked the part,” he said. His Hollywood credits include appearances in TV series such as Gunsmoke, Have Gun – Will Travel, and Wanted Dead or Alive. “I often played roles in taverns, getting shot. They must have killed me half a dozen times on screen. The role I could do best was that of a man dying,” he joked.
After returning to India, Thomas ventured into directing. His debut film as a director, Ithu Manushyano, starred Sheela and K.P. Ummer in lead roles. He later directed Vellarikka Pattanam, featuring Prem Nazir, Sukumari, and Jagathy Sreekumar in prominent roles. In an interview, Thomas described Prem Nazir as “the nicest man” he had ever met and fondly recounted his experiences working with the legendary actor.
Thomas Burleigh, who had been admitted to a private hospital in Kochi due to age-related ailments, is survived by his wife Sophie and their children, Tamina, Taniya, and Tarun.