Jamaicans are fond of saying that “Man who bawn fi drown caan hang”, meaning if one is fated to die by drowning, it is impossible to die by hanging.
Among the estimated 250 Jamaica centenarians is Lois Kelly Miller, formerly Lois Kelly Barrow, the outstanding stage and screen actress who celebrates her 100th birthday anniversary today, unwell but alive after cheating death when a World War II torpedo hit the ship on which she was travelling.
Lois Kelly, in her time a household name in Jamaica, is the daughter of the remarkable Lewis Kelly, a successful manufacturer of Kelly’s soft drinks and syrup who was forced to leave school, barely literate, at 10 years of age to support his family.
Lois Kelly, in the company of two close friends — one the sister of Douglas Manley’s wife — was on her way back to Jamaica from London, England, where she had gone to study music in 1944 or 45. Suddenly the vessel was hit by torpedo from an enemy ship in the Atlantic Ocean. Her two friends died in the attack, but she survived with burns that are still evident today.
Many remember Kelly Miller for her part in the Hollywood movie Meet Joe Blackalongside superstars Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins. Jamaicans were especially delighted when she got Brad Pitt to say “rhaatid”.
But she is more likely to be memorialised as a staple in the Little Theatre Movement (LTM) National Pantomime, having performed in 13 pantomimes and co-written three of the annual productions.
She appeared frequently with the greats of the time, such as Louise “Miss Lou” Bennett-Coverley, Ranny “Mass Ran” Williams — both of whom predeceased her — and the then fast-rising Oliver Samuels.
LTM icon Barbara Gloudon recalled Lois Kelly Miller as one of the outstanding individuals who had set a remarkable example in the dramatic arts and whose “names are now immortalised and their heritage studied by a new generation, not only in Jamaica, but across the Caribbean”.
“Lois was regularly partnered with the Hon Louise Bennett-Coverley in roles which became treasured in Jamaican theatre, attracting crowds especially for the Ward Theatre in Kingston. Two of the most noted roles for Louise and Lois came in the Pantomime Queenie’s Daughter staged in 1963, 1966 and again in 1973.
“Lois played the role of Madame Serena, a ‘hoity-toity’ dressmaker. Louise, played Queenie, a woman of low social standing, whose daughter had just returned home to Jamaica and expected to be introduced into high society. Louise, in her role, went to Lois, as the fashionable dressmaker, to get a suitable dress made for such an occasion.
“Queenie’s reaction to her childhood friend putting on style with an exaggerated uptown accent was priceless. The ensuing battle of words between the uptown dressmaker and the downtown woman developed into one of the funniest scenes in the history of the Jamaican Pantomime,” Gloudon remembered.
Lois Kelly Miller and Miss Lou shared a great friendship and were neighbours for many years in Gordon Town, St Andrew, where they brought a celebrity touch to the community. She still lives there today, cared for by her attentive nephew, Dan Kelly, and family.
“Their chemistry on stage benefited from the deep friendship which grew between the two actresses. The two, in their off-stage lives, were best friends, highly treasured and respected by their fellow Jamaicans. Many tried to imitate their performance skills,” said Gloudon.
“Not long after the passing of Miss Lou in 2006, Aunt Lois battled with illness which has confined her to her home and robbed the theatre of her skills. That Aunt Lois is celebrating her 100th birthday is an occasion for much joy. Although illness has kept her away from the theatre and the fellowship of friends, we are grateful that Aunt Lois is still with us,” Gloudon added.
