I never knew the man personally, but each time I heard him on the radio or watched him take part in a play he always came across as a likeable person, one who would do anything to make people have a good time.

When I heard another famous actor, Charles Thake, say that Mr Clews used to say jokes to people working at the dockyard during the Second World War, a time when Grand Harbour was being heavily bombarded, I almost cried.

The way he used to say jokes was inimitable, and it is true that he had the “perpetual smile” you mentioned in the headline in your report of his death.

Malta has lost a great actor, but most of all a great gentleman. Because Mr Clews never offended anybody; his jokes made people laugh, but not at anybody’s expense.

May all the present and future actors learn from him.

Matthew Scerri

San Gwann