KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 -- Mano Maniam, the revered Malaysian actor, educator, and cultural advocate whose five-decade career left an indelible mark on the country's performing arts, died last night at the age of 79.

Born in Ipoh in 1945, Mano's lifelong passion for the stage was sparked by the vibrant bangsawan and sandiwara roadshows he watched as a child.

His discovery of Shakespeare during his school years at ACS Ipoh became a defining influence, leading him back to the same school as a teacher who inspired countless young minds.

To many, Mano was best known for his warm portrayal of "Uncle Chan" in the late-1990s and early 2000s television series Kopitiam, a role that endeared him to a broad audience and introduced him to a new gener...