Leonie Forbes
- PBCJ AV Library
- Mar 13
- 1 min read
Updated: Jun 17
A Beacon of Excellence in Jamaican Broadcasting, Theatre, and Young Journalism
Leonie Evadne Forbes, an indelible figure in Jamaican media and performing arts, passed away at 85, leaving a legacy of excellence that profoundly impacted broadcasting, theatre, and aspiring journalists. Known as the 'doyenne of Jamaican theatre,' Forbes was a consummate performer whose meticulous approach to acting and broadcasting inspired generations. After studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, she broke barriers upon her return to Jamaica, becoming one of the first voices on Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) in 1955.
Forbes served as a producer and presenter for television, establishing JBC Radio 2 and producing acclaimed works such as A Scent of Jasmine and Let’s Say Grace. Her remarkable talent shone in numerous stage productions and films, including Old Story Time and Club Paradise. As a mentor to young journalists, she nurtured the next generation of artists and broadcasters, furthering her impact on the media landscape. Forbes also co-authored The Re-Entry Into Sound, a key text for Caribbean broadcasters.
Honoured with the Order of Distinction and a Musgrave gold medal, her passion for the arts and commitment to excellence set a gold standard in the industry. As she once reminded us, "The show must go on", Leonie Forbes was, and will always be, a national treasure.
