THE Malaysian theatre community is reeling with the news of the passing of celebrated theatre actor-director-writer, Jit Murad earlier today. He was 62 and had been ill with an undisclosed condition for sometime.
According to The Star, which published the news at 5.20pm, the news was confirmed by fellow theatre veteran Jo Kukathas, who added that he died in his home in Kuala Lumpur.
Born Aziz Mirzan in Kuala Lumpur, he was the son of the former director general of Education, the late Murad Mohamed Noor.
He graduated in Sociology (Urban Studies) and had a Master's Degree in Art History. Throughout his career, Jit was a writer, actor and theater producer. He was also a prolific writer in Southeast Asia, having won several awards, including the Boh Cameronian Award.
His career on stage spanned from Caught in The Middle in 1987 up to One Load of Bull Jit in 2009. Throughout the decades he also made many appearances in movies, such as Mat Gelap, Selubung, Mimpi Moon and Split Gravy on Rice, among others.
At press time, no details are available, but his fellow theatre family, friends and fellow Malaysians have taken to social media to express their sadness at his passing.
Jit Murad has died.
— Jahabar Sadiq (@jsadiq) February 12, 2022
He was a playwright, actor and one of smartest and sharpest persons in Malaysia.
Innallillah wa innallillahi rajiun. pic.twitter.com/WClEM0YR4g
Rest in peace Jit ♥️
— Susan Lankester (@suelanks) February 12, 2022
Saddened to hear of the passing of dear Jit Murad. May you find peace. You will be missed. A huge loss to Malaysian theatre.
Posted by Malachi Edwin Vethamani on Saturday, February 12, 2022
So sad to hear one of nusantara's best playwrights & actors #JitMurad died today, too early & so young. He captured a new Malaysia uncertain about its 1990s modernity, embracing all with wit, warmth, pluralism, like an original nationalist he had me snap him with. RIP Jit Murad. pic.twitter.com/JcDbuuScTF
— kean (@keanmwong) February 12, 2022
Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.
— Fahmi Fadzil ??? (@fahmi_fadzil) February 12, 2022
So very sad to hear of Jit Murad’s passing. We worked together in A Man For All Seasons (Actor’s Studio, dir Joe Hasham) in 2004.
His acerbic wit, incisive commentaries on social life, and bonhomie will forever be missed.
Al-Fatihah. pic.twitter.com/cUSDCseNS5
Writers never truly die, for life is breathed into them so long as their words refuse to be forgotten.
— Losh (@LoshniNair) February 12, 2022
Rest now, Jit Murad. pic.twitter.com/QpyQTwP390
"I remember going to his show before I became a comedian, and I realised what a performer he was. I laughed so hard while others struggled to understand him. He was the definition of niche. You could say he's one of the reason I became a performer," said comedian Kavin Jay.
"Today, we've lost one of the wittiest, most intelligent and consummate comedians of our time. Legend. Pioneer. Definitely gone too soon. Still, my most favourite local stand-up and, I'm sure, I'm not alone," added comedian Phoon Chi Ho.
"I feel extremely blessed that I had the opportunity to breathe life into one of his characters, Darwis in Spilt Gravy on Rice. Jit, extremely talented, greatly loved, fondly missed," said Reza Zainal Abidin, actor, director, lecturer.
Jit's brother Na'a responds to the outpouring of well wishes on social media.
Thank you for all your wishes.
— Na'a (@NaaMurad) February 12, 2022
He would be happy to know he was loved by friends and respected by fellow artists.
I must switch off now so you won’t hear from me for some time.
No disrespect intended.
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– The Vibes, February 12, 2022
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