The passing of Lino Grech yesterday, aged 83, means that Malta has lost one of its finest writers, who managed to penetrate the very heart of Maltese society, according to artistes who collaborated with him.
The veteran actor, director and writer died yesterday morning, leaving behind his wife Frances and his three sons Joseph, Godwin and Eric.
He was instrumental in the evolution of Maltese theatre and television productions, having penned the very first television series to appear on Xandir Malta in Maltese – F’Baħar Wieħed in 1976. He also interpreted the role of Pinu l-Pastizzar opposite Ġemma Portelli as the notorious Ġoma.
His daily occupation was that of a postman.
Fellow actor and director Mario Micallef was shocked to receive a text message from Eric informing him that his close friend had passed away. He was a frequent visitor at Mr Grech’s bedside after he was admitted into hospital some two weeks ago suffering from a chest infection which affected his lungs.
“I have lost a true friend. To me, Lino was not only a close friend but a person I looked up to as my big brother,” Mr Micallef told Times of Malta.
He had known Mr Grech since 1976 when he worked with him on F’Baħar Wieħed, which was also adapted for the stage at the insistence of Mr Micallef.
“Since those days, we remained great friends. And we went on to produce a number of other theatrical and television works. We shared an honest and reciprocal friendship. I’ll never forget the good advice he gave me – both in terms of work and also when I felt the need to open my heart to him.
“We shared a number of beautiful episodes together. Up until last month, I was at his home, discussing another project.”
According to actress Moira Muscat, who worked with Mr Grech on a number of projects including It-Tfal Jiġu bil-Vapuri, the veteran artiste possessed the rare ability of making people laugh and cry simultaneously. “In the speech given when Pinu dies, Ġemma Portelli was sobbing and laughing at the same time. It’s an incredible capability to have.”
She noted how Mr Grech’s pieces were an X-ray of society and Maltese families – the fact that they were so relatable was one of the reasons why they proved to be so popular with audiences.
“The biggest disappointment was that he won’t be seeing his latest work in production. It was going to be a television series. I feel honoured and privileged to have worked with him and performed his works.”
Actor and producer Hermann Bonaci recalled Mr Grech as the writer and director of Ipokriti and later of Simpatiċi. “Malta doesn’t have another such writer. He knew how to target the masses. He was a born writer – yet he was humble and never blew his own trumpet.”
Veteran actress Marilou Coppini hailed him as an important figure in Maltese theatre, while remembering his part as a ghost in a TV series in which she had acted alongside him several years ago.
In a statement released by Parliamentary Secretary for Culture José Herrera, Mr Grech’s demise was lamented as the loss of one of the pillars of Maltese drama.
PN Spokesman for Culture Francis Zammit Dimech hailed Mr Grech as an inspiration and lesson to all, citing the human and social messages conveyed through his work as having greater importance than ever before.
The funeral will be held tomorrow at 9.30am at the Sacro Cuor parish church, Sliema.