Friday, 22nd February 2008 - 08:13CET

UPDATED: Gemma Portelli passes away

Veteran actress Gemma Portelli, 75, passed away last night.

Portelli was well known for the variety of roles she played on stage and television, although she is best remembered for her role as Ġoma in the series F' Bahar Wiehed..

She continued to perform to the last and is currently shown in a series of adverts.

Mrs Portelli leaves to mourn her loss her son Martin and his wife Lottie, her daughter Cora and her partner Joe.

The funeral leaves Mater Dei Hospital tomorrow at 2.15 p.m. for St Joseph parish church, Msida, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 2.30 p.m., followed by interment in the family chapel at the Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery.

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Article © Allied Newspapers Ltd., printed on Sunday, November 22, 2009. This article is for personal use only, and should not be distributed.

Comments

K.Muscat (on 2/3/08)

A predominantly outstanding actress. A celebrity. God Bless.

Josette Camilleri (on 24/2/08)

May you rest in peace, dearest Gemma... your expressiveness, your ability to make us laugh and cry at the same time, your twinkling eyes and sparkling voice will be with us forever.

a.spiteri (on 24/2/08)

I am very sad about the fact that Gemma Portelli had died. She was my favourite person.I love her so much. I can still remember her in most of tv series like: Angli, F'Bahar Wiehed, Ingroppi, Horrox Borrox. Everyone will remember her forever and keep her in our heart. I miss her a lot. I love you Gemma. You are a godd actress and your voice is beautiful and wonderful. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx I give serenity to all her family members and friends.

Carmen Laudi (on 24/2/08)

Dear Gemma - Thanks for the laughs - you always made people happy even when they were down. May the happy spirit lives with you on your next journey!
Rest in Peace dear Gemma.

Simone Galea (on 23/2/08)

What a sad loss indeed!!

She used to warm my heart every time I saw her and heard her voice. She always succeeded to take away my blues and put a big smile on my face!!

We really lost a precious gem and I want to send my condolences to her family.

Goodbye our dearest Gemma..we shall all miss you so much..!

Forever in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

miguel tabone (on 23/2/08)

We still like the way you act in Horrox Borrox Gemma we love you xxxxxxxx

Miguel Tabone

Mark Grixti (on 23/2/08)

She will surely be missed but her memories will always be with us. Thank you for the many smiles you put on our faces - may you rest in peace

Lino Vella (on 23/2/08)

The people of Sydney will sadly miss Gemma as she was almost a pioneer in visiting this country and make migrants laugh, only for me to discover that she actually was my cousin.

Stephen Florian (on 22/2/08)

A radiant Maltese actress from the 20th century. Possessed by "Goma" she captivated Malta on the black & white flickering screens of TVM in the 70's and yet at the same time she was one of the main actresses present during the beggining of Atturi Theare Group in the Phoenicia Playhouse in Floriana. Definitely a point of reference for theatre goers and drama lovers alike. Some had her as a beacon whereas others stirred away from the "Gomaesque" venturing into new horizons. She was the people's actress like few other local theatre lady giants are. Indeed a versatile jewel of the Maltese stage. God bless you Gemma Portelli.We thank you for the good times and the joy you bestowed on the Maltese audiences that loved you so much. Adieu.

Oliver Magri (on 22/2/08)

Dear Gemma
Rest in piece. You were the first lady of Maltese comedy. Thank you for many happy evenings spent at the Manoel. Condolences to the whole family. Be proud of the legacy your dear mum left behind.

Randolph De Battista (on 22/2/08)

We will never forget your voice and your humour. A true loss for Malta! RIP

John Grima (on 22/2/08)

I would have loved to know Gemma Portelli.
But I never had the pleasure of meeting her.

May God grant her eternal peace.

My condolences to her family.

Kristoff Bonello (on 22/2/08)

Malta has sadly lost a naturally talented woman who brought happiness to all those who followed her. She has inspired others, old and young, and will be remembered as the legend that she truly was. May she rest in eternal peace forever.

With highest esteem and admiration, Kristoff Bonello (U.K).

Jane Mifsud (on 22/2/08)

Gemma,
your loss marks a terrible loss to local acting... you were such a true character.
R.I.P

saviour attard (on 22/2/08)

Gemma was splendid when she formed part of the formidable team of Radju Muskettieri .Indeed she was a gem of an actress.R.I.P.

Stephanie Theuma (on 22/2/08)

I was so shocked this morning when I heard the news. Gemma Portelli takes me back to the goods times when I was young because of Goma.
May God give her eternal life.

Silvan Spagnol (on 22/2/08)

Even though I am 20 years old, I have always admired Gemma and cannot help but feel saddened.

She made us laugh (who can ever forget "F'bahar wiehed"?) and she made us cry (I still have some faint memories of "Triq wahda" aired in the mid-90s)...truly an actress for all seasons. She really deserved Gieh ir-Repubblika.

Thanks for everything Gemma and may you rest in peace!

Frederick Attard (on 22/2/08)

Dear Gemma,

Thank you for the wonderful & happy moments you gave us when you came into our homes on TV.

You have always played the parts from heart.

May God grant you rest in peace.

Sahha Gemma!

Frederick Attard

M Camilleri (on 22/2/08)

The end of an era. (Times, please note the name should read GOMA not Goghma!!)

Charlene Pace (on 22/2/08)

Gemma Portelli. A star. Thank you Gemma for all you've done. An idol to all of us. Rest In Peace.

MARIO SANT (on 22/2/08)

Gemma was a legend. Very much doubt if she'll ever be equalled.

God bless Gemma.

Kurt Vella (on 22/2/08)

Thanks Gemma for all the times you made us laugh. We'll miss you but we'll never forget you. Rest in peace

marsette palmier (on 22/2/08)

Dear Aunty Gemma, You can be described as a " real character" in life and on stage. Acting meant so much to you and your real character was a ray of shunshine for all those who knew you. Thank you. Now you can join your beloved Paul.

john scerri (on 22/2/08)

Gemma Portelli ,your talent made all of us forget our daily problems . it put a smile and a laugh and even sometimes tears in our eyes. You will be missed by all but never forgotten . You will remain a landmark in the history of drama in Malta. may you rest in peace for eternity with the creator.

UPDATED: Gemma Portelli passes away

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