Malick Bowens was a Mali-born actor who had a successful career in theater, cinema, and television. He worked with renowned directors such as Peter Brook, Sydney Pollack, John Schlesinger, Morgan Freeman, and Michael Mann. He appeared in acclaimed films such as Out of Africa, The Believers, Bopha, When We Were Kings, Outbreak, Ali, and Tears of the Sun. He died on November 3, 2017, at the age of 76, in Pertuis, France. But what was the cause of his death?
A Secretive Life
Malick Bowens was a very private person who rarely gave interviews or revealed details about his personal life. He was married to a French woman named Catherine, and they had two children, a son and a daughter. He also had a son from a previous relationship. He lived in France for most of his life, but he also traveled extensively for his work and his involvement in the International Center on Theatrical Research (ICTR), a theater company founded by Peter Brook. He was passionate about his African heritage and culture, and he often visited his native Mali and other countries in the continent.
A Mysterious Death
The cause of Malick Bowens’ death was never officially announced by his family or his representatives. According to some sources, he died of an undisclosed illness, while others speculated that he had cancer or AIDS. Some of his fans and colleagues expressed their condolences and tributes on social media, but there was no public funeral or memorial service for him. His death was largely ignored by the mainstream media, and his obituaries were brief and scarce. His last film appearance was in 2003, in Tears of the Sun, where he played a ruthless colonel who was killed by an air strike.
A Legacy Remembered
Despite the mystery surrounding his death, Malick Bowens left behind a legacy of artistic excellence and cultural diversity. He was praised for his versatility, charisma, and professionalism as an actor. He was also admired for his dedication, curiosity, and generosity as a human being. He was a pioneer of cross-cultural theater and a champion of African causes. He inspired many actors and artists from different backgrounds and generations. He will be remembered as one of the most talented and influential actors of his time.
