Tributes have been pouring in throughout the day after news surfaced last night (July 9) that renowned Jamaican actor Volier Johnson has died.

Johnson, who had been involved in local theatre for more than 50 years, reportedly collapsed at his home last night and later died at hospital.

“This morning, I mourn with all Jamaicans as we heard the news of the passing of our very own legendary actor, Volier Johnson,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness tweeted.

“Johnson played a significant role in Jamaica’s theatre community for more than 50 years and has added significant value to our culture.”

In its comments, the Jamaica Film and Television Association, wrote: “Today the creative community and many more are gutted by yesterday’s death of actor Volier Johnson. For over 50 years he gifted us with performances on stage and screen. He often gave us laughter, and always gave us heart; leaving a creative legacy and fond memories. RIP Sir.”

Johnson, who performed in his first theatrical production while attending St Andrew Technical High School in Kingston, would go on to feature in several pantomimes throughout the 1980s. He would also star in several plays, including Ginger Knight’s Higglers, Stepfather and Room for Rent, as well as Rose Slip, Trash and Toy Boy, the latter for which he won Best Actor at the 1996 Actor Boy Awards.

He was also well known on the small screen for his role as Maffie, the comedic sidekick to Oliver Samuels in the Jamaican sitcom, Oliver at Large.

In other tributes, Jamaican media personality Khadine ‘Miss Kitty’ Hylton said in a tweet: “An icon, a legend, is no longer with us. Volier ‘Maffy’ Johnson, it was my pleasure to have met you, known you and have you on my show. Gone but not forgotten, your legacy will live on. SIP.”

Said Mayor of Kingston Delroy Williams: “Undoubtedly one of the most talented Jamaican creatives of his generation, Volier Johnson lived to entertain. News of his death was disheartening but his legacy will live on in our hearts & laughter. RIP Maffie!”