Georgia honours heaped on veteran Jamaican actor

“Glen Campbell Day” and the man himself were the toast of Dekalb County in Atlanta Georgia, on May 25, to honour renowned Jamaican actor and comedian Glen Campbell, O.D. A second proclamation – compliments of the Georgia State Senate – recognised Campbell’s exceptional artistic achievements and cultural impact.

The accolades heaped on the veteran Jamaican actor marked a moment of pride for the Caribbean diaspora and supporters of Jamaican theatre, and coincided with Campbell’s jubilant visit to the Peach State recently.

Campbell was in Atlanta to lead the cast of the acclaimed stage play “Room 513,” both shows on Sunday, May 25, at Shiloh High School in Lithonia, playing to a full house. The performances were met with enthusiastic acclaim, highlighting Campbell’s enduring appeal and the strong support for Jamaican theatre abroad.

With an illustrious career spanning over four decades, Campbell was presented with the official Dekalb County Proclamation at a private reception in Atlanta, hosted in his honour by Gail Dunwell. The event was attended by close friends, patrons of the arts, and members of the Jamaican American community. The proclamation was formally presented by fellow Jamaican, Professor Dr. Conrad Ingram, on behalf of Dekalb County Commissioner Dr. Ladena Bolton, acknowledging Campbell’s outstanding contributions to the performing arts and his role as a cultural ambassador for Jamaica.

Meanwhile, the Georgia State Senate proclamation recognising Campbell’s exceptional cultural impact was presented by fellow Jamaican and Georgia Superior Court Judge, Jewell Scott, Esq., underscoring the significance of Campbell’s work beyond entertainment – as a figure of inspiration and cultural preservation.

The celebrations continued with a special award presented by the Jamaican Museum and Cultural Centre (JMCC) in Atlanta. The award recognised Campbell’s 44 years of excellence in Jamaican theatre and comedy. The presentation was made by Dr. Apolone Reid, president of the JMCC, who praised Campbell for his lifelong dedication to enriching Jamaican culture and uplifting audiences around the world.

Campbell, best known for his comedic genius and dynamic stage presence, expressed deep gratitude for the honours, noting the importance of cultural legacy and the continued support of the Jamaican diaspora. “It’s heartwarming to see the love for Jamaican theatre alive and well so far from home,” he said.

As the curtains closed on a weekend of celebration, Glen Campbell’s impact was made unmistakably clear – not just as a talented performer, but as a beloved cultural icon whose influence continues to resonate across generations and borders.