Wilson Karunaratne

Wilson Karunaratne, popularly known as Wilson Karu (28 October 1942 – 3 May 2022) was an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, and stunt director.^[1] Considered one of the best villains in Sinhala cinema,^[2] Karunaratne acted in more than 240 films across many genres primarily as main antagonist.^[3]

Wilson Karunaratne විල්සන් කරුණාරත්න
Born	28 October 1942 Colombo, British Ceylon
Died	3 May 2022 (aged 79) Colombo, Sri Lanka
Nationality	Sri Lankan
Education	Lumbini College
Occupation(s)	Actor, Stunt Director
Years active	1972–2019

Personal life

Wilson Karu was born on 28 October 1942 in Colombo, Sri Lanka as the second child of the family with four siblings.^[4] He had one elder brother, one younger sister and one younger brother. He completed education from Lumbini College, Colombo. During young ages, he played football, cricket, gymnastics, wrestling, judo and karate. Once he was selected to go to a football training camp in Pakistan, but he could not attend the camp as he fell from motor bike and broke the shoulder.^[5]

He never married and lived alone after the death of his parents. He died on 3 May 2022 at the age of 79.^[6] His remains were laid at Jayaratne parlour for public respect on 3 May 2022 and cremation took place at Kirulapone crematorium at 4 p.m on 4 May 2022.^[7]

Career

He had a long standing passion to be an actor star where he frequently went to the film halls to watch English and Sinhala films. A relative called Punya Bulathsinhala referred him to the director of the film Hadawath Naththo Subayar Makeem in 1974. Karunaratne made his maiden cinematic appearance through the 1974 film Hadawath Naththo as a stuntman.^[5] The first scenario was the fight with Robin Fernando at the Rubber Estate. He went missing from the films for about a year after Hadawath Naththo. After that, with the help of Karunadasa Perera, the then production manager of the films, Karu re-entered the film industry by joining the fight scenes in films such as Yakadaya, Hitha Mithura, Sankapali and Saradielge Putha directed by Neil Rupasinghe and Sarath Rupasinghe.^[5]

In 1987, he got a lead role in the film Kiwule Gedara Mohottala directed by Pathiraja L.S. Dayananda. In one scene in the film, he had to jump from a height of about 80 feet, where his spine hit a rock. Dr. Godagama Jayasinghe treated his spine for months. He continued to make several near-to-death moments during jumps, summersaults and scenes in moving trains and trucks in the films such as:^[5] Dinesh Priyasad's Demodara Palama, Malani Fonseka's Sasara Chethana, Cyril Weerasinghe's Anuradha, Preethiraj Weeraratne's Pudumai Eth Aththai, Ranjith Siriwardena's Yudha Gini Meda etc. He won a merit award for the role "Nicholas" in Fonseka's film Sasara Chethana.^[8]

With that he acted in more than 250 Sinhala films and 15 television serials particularly as the villain.^[9] Apart from cinema, he appeared in the television serials Thara Devi produced by Lucien Bulathsinhala and also in the serials Eranga and Ran Kahawanu.^[5] Meanwhile, he also worked as the stunt director in few films.^[10][11] In 2018 he appeared in the music video Danuna produced by Iraj Weeraratne, where the public later criticized his appearance for the life of popular singer Victor Rathnayake.^[12]

Arrest

In May 2020, Karu was arrest by the police due to obstruction of police duty in violation of quarantine laws. The incident had taken place in the Kirulapone area while attempting to obtain the Rs. 5000 allowance.^[13] He was produced to the court by Kirulapone police.^[14]

Accident

In March 2021, Karu fell at his home and no one noticed for several hours. Neighbors rushed him to hospital after they saw the water continue to flow in the bathroom for a long time. He then received treatment at Ward 43 of the Colombo General Hospital.^[15] A Bodhi Pooja for a speedy recovery was held at the Bellanwila Temple on 21 March 2021.^[16]

Filmography and stunt coordination

• No. denotes the Number of Sri Lankan film in the Sri Lankan cinema.^[17]

Year	No.	Film	Roles	Ref.
1974	288	Hadawath Naththo
1974	302	Jeewana Ganga
1976	352	Saradiyelge Putha	Rate Mahaththaya's son
1977	365	Hithuwoth Hithuwamai	Karu	[18]
1977	381	Yakadaya	Truck fighter	[19]
1978	389	Seetha Devi
1978	394	Hitha Mithura
1978	395	Selinage Walawwa	Thug
1978	399	Veera Puran Appu	Rebel	[20]
1978	407	Apeksha
1979	422	Wasanthaye Dawasak	Premasiri
1979	429	Sugandhi
1980	441	Jodu Walalu
1980	451	Sasaraka Pathum
1980	465	Sinhabahu
1980	469	Kiduru Kumari	Fishermen leader	[21]
1981	475	Sathweni Dawasa
1981	477	Valampuri
1981	485	Vajira	John. as Stunt coordinator
1982	508	Bambara Geethaya	Landlord
1982	512	Bicycale	Hichchi Mahaththaya
1982	520	Anuradha
1982	521	Jeewithayen Jeewithayak	as Stunt coordinator
1983	547	Sumithuro	Share demander
1983	550	Yali Pipunu Malak
1983	552	Samuganimi Ma Samiyani	as Stunt coordinator
1983	554	Chuttey	Henchman
1983	560	Hasthi Viyaruwa
1983	564	Manik Maliga
1983	567	Samanala Sihina	as Stunt coordinator
1983	568	Chandi Pataw	Gracien
1984	578	Mala Giravi	Pipe yard samaritan
1984	579	Kiri Kawadi	Cyril
1984	584	Thaththai Puthai	Karu
1984	589	Bambara Patikki
1984	593	Sasara Chethana	Nicholas
1984	601	Batti
1984	607	Birinda
1985	619	Puthuni Mata Samawenna
1985	628	Du Daruwo
1985	631	Sura Duthiyo
1985	634	Kirimaduwal	as Stunt coordinator
1986	643	Maldeniye Simion	Wilson
1986	646	Koti Waligaya
1986	647	Pooja	as Stunt coordinator
1986	649	Dinuma	Piyadasa aka Bottle Piya
1987	660	Kivulegedara Mohottala	Kiwuleygedera Mohottala
1987	657	Thaththi Man Adarei
1987	662	Kele Kella	Fighting logger
1987	664	Nommana Ekai	Willie. as Stunt coordinator
1987	665	Raja Wadakarayo	Dixon
1987	666	Randamwal
1987	668	Obatai Priye Adare	Henchman
1988	674	Gedara Budun Amma	Mr. Gajanayake
1988	676	Amme Oba Nisa
1988	682	Ko Hathuro
1989	688	Okkoma Rajawaru
1989	691	Nommara 17	Wilson
1989	690	Shakthiya Obai Amme
1989	693	Waradata Daduwam
1990	698	Thanha Asha	Willie
1990	699	Jaya Shakthi
1990	704	Hodin Naththam Narakin
1990	707	Pem Rajadahana
1990	710	Madu Sihina
1990	712	Christhu Charithaya	Left side thief
1990	713	Honda Honda Sellam	Don John
1990	714	Hitha Honda Puthek
1990	715	Hima Giri
1991	718	Paaradise
1991	719	Wada Barinam Wadak Na
1991	721	Sihina Ahase Wasanthaya
1991	724	Hithata Dukak Nathi Minisa
1991	725	Asai Bayai
1991	729	Esala Sanda
1991	731	Salambak Handai
1991	735	Ali Baba Saha Horu Hathaliha
1991	736	Dhanaya
1992	742	Ranabime Weeraya
1992	747	Bajar Eke Chandiya
1992	751	Ahimi Dadaman
1992	752	Malsara Doni
1992	755	Kiyala Wadak Na	Kapila's friend
1992	758	Okkoma Kanapita
1992	760	Oba Mata Wishwasai
1992	762	Suranimala
1992	763	Sathya
1992	764	Muwan Palesse Kadira
1992	765	Sinhayangeth Sinhaya	Chula Gunathilaka
1993	771	Sargent Nallathambi	B. O. G. de Soysa
1993	776	Sasara Sarisaranathek Oba Mage
1993	784	Bambasara Bisaw
1993	786	Sandarekha
1993	792	Soora Weera Chandiyo	Wilson
1994	796	Ekada Wahi
1994	797	Jayagrahanaya
1994	805	Ahas Maliga
1994	808	Mawbime Weerayo
1994	810	Okkoma Hondatai
1994	813	Aathma
1995	820	Inspector Geetha	Douglas
1995	825	Rodaya
1995	822	Vijay Saha Ajay
1995	826	Ira Handa Illa
1995	827	Pudumai Eth Aththai
1995	829	Wairayen Wairaya
1995	830	Demodara Palama	Maurice	[22]
1995	834	Age Wairaya	Rocky
1995	837	Edath Chandiya Adath Chandiya	Dougie
1996	845	Api Baya Naha	Nayana abductor
1996	851	Sura Duruwo
1996	852	Veediye Weeraya
1996	854	Mana Mohini	Kira
1996	858	Hiru Sanduta Madi Wee
1996	859	Seema Pawuru
1996	862	Mal Hathai
1997	873	Soorayo Wadakarayo
1997	879	Viyaru Gaheniyak
1997	888	Ninja Sri Lanka
1998	892	Yuda Gini Mada	Wilson
1998	895	Sathutai Kirula Ape
1998	900	Girl Friend
1998	903	Age Wairaya 3	Tony
1999	910	Salupata Ahasata
1999	917	Ayadimi Sama	Tikiri's father
2000	935	Dadabima	Baladasa henchman. as Stunt coordinator	[23]
2000	936	Danduwama	Mervin
2000	939	Age Wairaya 4	Bullet
2000	944	Pem Kekula		[24]
2001	950	Oba Koheda Priye	Wilson	[25]
2001	951	Oba Magema Wewa
2002	973	Parliament Jokes	Walisundara	[26]
2003	1002	Vala In London	Gajasinghe	[27]
2003	1015	Sonduru Dadabima	Inspector Wimalasena	[28]
2003	1016	Yakada Pihatu	Gal Somey	[29]
2003	1017	Bheeshanaye Athuru Kathawak		[30]
2005	1051	One Shot	Minister Walisundara	[31]
2005	1060	Seethala Hadu
2007	1091	Hai Master		[32]
2008	1108	Ali Pancha Mage Mithura		[33]
2008	1117	Nil Diya Yahana	as Stunt coordinator	[34]
2011	1164	Putha Mage Sooraya
2012	1173	Vijaya Kuweni	Chief of Yaksha clan	[35]
2014	1208	Ahelepola Kumarihami		[36]
2014	1209	Parapura		[37]
2015	1219	Bonikka		[38]
2015	1224	Sanjana
2019	1330	Thiththa Aththa		[39]
2022		Rashmi		[40]

References

1. "Wilson Karunarathna". IMDb. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
2. "Robin Fernando selects best stuntnmen in the country". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
3. "Karu in Iraj video". Hiru FM. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
4. "Veteran actor Wilson Karu no more". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
5. "Kind Karu". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
6. "Wilson Karu bids farewell". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
7. "Veteran actor Wilson Karunaratne passes away". Daily News. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
8. "Talk with Wilson Karu". rategossip. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
9. "Wilson Karunarathna - විල්සන් කරුණාරත්න". Sinhala Cinema Database. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
10. "Villain of Sri Lankan cinema Wilson Karunaratne dies". colombogazette. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
11. "Veteran actor Wilson Karunaratne passes away". adaderana. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
12. "The story that Wilson Karu is telling now". Siyatha FM. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
13. "Veteran actor Wilson Karu speaks about the arrest". Hiru FM. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
14. "Veteran actor Wilson Karu arrested". Hiru FM. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
15. "Veteran actor Wilson Karunaratne passes away". Mawbima. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
16. "Let's bless Karu". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
17. "Sri Lankan Cinema History". National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
18. "All about "Hithuwoth Hithuwamai"". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
19. "All about Yakadaya". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
20. "Veera Puran Appu (1979)". IMDb. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
21. "පෙම් සිහින තොටින් 'කිඳුරු කුමාරි'". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
22. "'Demodara Palama' in memory of Gamini". Sunday Times. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
23. "'Dadabima': story of tea and drugs". Sunday Times. Retrieved 19 January 2017.
24. "'Pem Kekula' goes back to a hilarious past". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
25. "'Oba Koheda Priye': Story of deceit and intrigue". Sunday Times. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
26. "Ranjan's maiden effort". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
27. "එදා මෙදා තිරගත වූ සිංහල චිත්‍රපට". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
28. "Sonduru Dadabima". The Island. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
29. "Udayakantha flies with iron feathers". IMDb. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
30. "Bheeshanaye Athuru Kathawak". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
31. "One Shot One". The Island. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
32. "Sri Lankan Screened Films". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
33. "Sri Lankan Screened Films". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
34. "Smooth Sailing". Daily News. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
35. "Vijaya Kuweni". National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
36. "Controversial Ehelepola episode on the silver screen". The Sunday Observer. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
37. "Parapura". National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 24 February 2017.
38. "Bonikka". National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
39. "Thiththa Aththa - තිත්ත ඇත්ත". Sinhala Cinema Database. Retrieved 25 April 2019.
40. "Preethiraj is ready with RASHMI". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 5 May 2022.

External links

• Wilson Karunarathne on Sinhala Cinema Database
• Duplicate is no Duplicate
• PEO TV launches “HELAWOOD POPCORN” blog creating a new virtual space for our cinema