Reggae Star & ‘The Harder They Come’ Actor Was 81

Jimmy Cliff, the reggae music legend and star of seminal Jamaican film The Harder They Come, has died aged 81.

His wife, Latifa Chambers, confirmed his death through a social media post today that was also signed by his children, Lilty and Aken. “It is with profound sadness that I share my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” she wrote.

Cliff was known for his joyful take on reggae music, popularizing it outside the Caribbean through soongs such as ‘Wonderful World, Beautiful People’ and ‘You Can Get it If You Really Want.’

On screen, he was known for his lead role in 1972 Jamaican crime flick The Harder They Come, in which he played a poor musician who becomes a huge star but is forced on the run. The soundtrack to Perry Henzell’s film is considered to have brought reggae music to the U.S. and other parts of the world.

Cliff also starred in Harold Ramis’ 1986 film Club Paradise and made a handful of other appearances, but he is best known for a music career spanning six decades and dozens of albums, moving into rock ‘n’ roll and other genres along the way. His latest record was 2022’s Refugees.

His persona, unique voice and music made him into a cultural icon, and he was one of the few musicians awarded the Jamaican Order of Merit, alongside others such as Bob Marley.

In her message, Chambers wrote: “I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career.

“Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.”