WEST PALM BEACH – Jamaica lost another cultural treasure to our Jamaican-Caribbean family: Outstanding Jamaican actor, theatrical director, emcee, comedian and broadcaster, Charles Hyatt, 75.
Mr. Hyatt died at the Palm Bay Community Hospital in Florida Monday morning, January 1st after a long bout of illness.
The actor, broadcaster, author and comedian was a household name and was full of love and laughter.
Charles has hosted the annual Reggae Soca Music awards held in South Florida for the past 12 years.
Charles Hyatt and Faye Ellington at the 13th Annual Reggae Soca Music Awards
photo by: Dreamy Riley
It was well known that his first love was radio and he started at Radio Jamaica with a program called “Poppy Show.”
Shortly after, he moved on to the then Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) and went on air with the Early Morning Man show.
While at JBC he created and performed the comedy radio show “Here Comes Charlie.”
Charlie also made his mark in the national Pantomime, and in 1959 he received his first “Best Actor” award, having performed in 14 consecutive pantomimes.
The following year he left Jamaica and headed to the UK when he was selected for a British Council Bursary. He went to study at the Theatre Royal in Windsor, England.
Charlie, on his return to Jamaica in 1974, at the request of the JBC and in his quest for the sun, returned to the microphone and will be remembered for his radio programmes – Sunday Souvenirs on JBC, the Fortunes of Floralee and in recent years, Its Charlie’s Time.
He also played his role in the print media. In 1986 he became the editor of the Arts and Entertainment section of the Jamaica Herald and in 1989 he published a book with short stories on his life as a child—When me was a boy.
Charles Hyatt was on several occasions recognised for his contribution to the world of theatre and music and was a recipient of the National Order of Distinction.
Service arrangements are pending.
