Author and actor Easton Lee died this morning (January 18) in Florida, United States, just a month short of his 90th birthday.

Lee, who was born in Wait-a-Bit, Trelawny, was deeply involved in Jamaica’s artistic and cultural life in his roles as an author, dramatis, actor, theatre director, photographer and media personality.

He attended the Jamaica School of Commerce, Pasadena Playhouse in California, the BBC London and the Civil Service Senior Staff College.

According to his profile at the Jamaica Library Service: “From his earliest years Lee was attracted to the theatre and after high school he joined the Caribbean Thespians Dramatic Society, then the leading group of its kind in Jamaica, and soon established himself as a major acting talent. This interest was broadened and enhanced when he went to work with the Jamaica Social Welfare Commission, now the Social Development Commission, a job which took him to every corner of the country.”

His professional career however, was primarily in the field of communication where he was a radio announcer at the Jamaica Broadcasting Commission and television announcer, director of audio-visual programming at the Jamaica Information Service. He was also a public relations consultant.

“Lee’s interest is also channelled in religious plays, which no doubt comes from his own deep Christian beliefs. He has several religious plays to his credit including ‘Once in a Manger’, ‘On the Third Day’, and ‘They that Mourn’,” the JLS said.

“His writings also include poems, short stories and others such as ‘Tarshan Lace and Velvet’, ‘My Dear Priscilla’ and ‘Man to Man’.”

He was ordained a priest in the Anglican Church in 2000, and retired years later in Florida.