Joe Gatt, Maltese Actor and Songwriter, Dies Aged 86
Joe Gatt, a familiar face in Maltese theatre and television for more than five decades, has died aged 86.
- Born
- 13 June 1940
- Best-known TV work
- Simpatiċi, Il-Madonna taċ-Ċoqqa and Ipokriti
- Song Festival win
- Malta Song Festival, 1963, with L-Għanja ta’ Mħabbitna
- Public role
- Councillor in Mosta, his hometown
- Funeral
- Mosta Parish Church, 21 September, 7:30am (as stated in the source article)
Career
Gatt worked across stage, screen and radio. On stage he appeared in In-Neputija tal-Kappillan, Min Qatel il-Kunjata? and Bejn Dallas u Dynasty. He wrote and performed in the television series Għeruq. He also wrote novels for radio, and his songs and compositions include Mill-Jasar għall-Ħelsien, Ktejjeb Ċkejken, Kien Jum Bħal Dan and Mhux Jien Mamà!
Music
Gatt was also a singer and songwriter who competed regularly in festivals. His 1963 win at the Malta Song Festival remains one of the highlights of his musical career.
Personal Life and Family
Gatt married in 1966 and was widowed in 2015. He is survived by three children and nine grandchildren. He also served as a councillor in Mosta.
Family Tribute
His granddaughter paid tribute to him on Facebook, remembering him as a loving family man as well as a performer. She recalled that many viewers knew him from his television roles, but that to her family he was “Nannu Joe”. She described the memories they shared and said she was grateful for one last dance together at her wedding.
This summary is based on a news report about Joe Gatt’s death. The funeral date given in the report is 21 September, and should be checked against the original coverage before publication. Details of his life and career are attributed to that report and have not been independently verified beyond it.
