If you’ve seen Dead Teenagers, you’re likely familiar with Maya Jeyam. However, did you know she named herself after her late grandmother’s nickname?
Jeyam viewed her grandmother as a role model and source of inspiration. Following her passing, the actress honored her by adopting the name Jeyam, which was her grandma’s nickname.
The Dead Teenagers star shared this part of her story with her followers on Instagram. She revealed it on the first anniversary of her grandmother’s passing.
Furthermore, in her post, she described her grandmother as “tenacious, clever, funny, and talented.”
Talking about Quinn Armstrong’s darkly comedic horror film Dead Teenagers, Jeyam plays the character Jamie. She portrayed a snarky yet caring friend determined to survive the intense situations that arise.
The movie received mixed reviews; however, many critics praised the first two-thirds as a refreshing take on slasher films. That said, numerous devoted fans of the genre found the movie quite enjoyable.
As Dead Teenagers gains popularity in the town, many are turning their attention to Maya Jeyam.
Maya Jeyam’s Grandmother Jeyaledchumy Yogaratnam Was Alone During Her Last Days
Maya Jeyam’s grandmother, Jeyaledchumy Yogaratnam, had strong ties to Sri Lanka. However, she also held U.S. citizenship.
As per Maya’s brother, Jeyaledchumy was well-liked in the senior community. She was even featured in a Wyoming local paper when she became a U.S. citizen.
Maya and her brother, Srihari Sritharan, often talk about their grandmother sharing good memories of how she shaped their lives. But among these touching stories, a sad fact about Jeyaledchumy’s last days exists.
According to Maya’s brother, their grandma passed away of natural causes in November 2021. However, strict COVID-19 quarantine rules in Sri Lanka kept many loved ones from seeing her.
Maya and her close family couldn’t travel because of limits and worries about Sri Lankan government policies. Even with these hurdles, Jeyaledchumy was fortunate to have her son and his family with her, who cared for and supported her through this tough time.
Tragically, public health regulations at the time also meant that her burial occurred swiftly. Thus, leaving the family little time to grieve together.
Srihari felt bad about not being with his grandmother when she passed away. He further pointed out that she never got a COVID-19 vaccine.
Like Srihari, Maya also struggles to cope with her loss. In one of her Instagram posts, she shared:
“Ever since she passed I’ve slowly been trying to be more like her. I burn incense, I switched from lavender to jasmine perfume because she liked that scent,”
Maya Jeyam
The Eelam Tamil-American added,
“I sew more even though sometimes it reminds me a little too much of what I’ve lost, and I try my best to focus on the present moment.”
Maya Jeyam
Jeyam’s Grandmother Raised Two Children During The Tamil Genocide
Jeyaledchumy came into this world on May 3, 1935, and left it on November 18, 2021. Her family holds dear the memory she left behind.
Talking more about Yogaratnam, Maya’s grandmother was born just a few years before World War II and witnessed Sri Lanka’s path to independence from Britain.
Similarly, she raised two children during the Tamil Genocide, navigating a challenging time marked by racial tensions.
Yogaratnam’s proficiency in three languages proved crucial, often aiding her in situations where communication was vital for survival.
Over three decades ago before her demise, Maya’s grandmother lost her husband. However, she remained unfazed and strong.
In the years that followed her husband’s demise, Jeyaledchumy played a significant role in raising her four grandchildren.
Thus, leaving a lasting influence on each of their lives. No wonder Maya and her brother look up to their grandmother.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Growing up, Maya Jeyam faced severe social anxiety; however, she overcame these challenges and embarked on her journey as a performing artist at the age of 13.
- Maya is reportedly single; however, her brother, a musician, is happily married to his wife, Kaushi.
- Her mother’s name is Suhanthi Sritharan, and while growing up, the actress’s favorite Disney princess was Cinderella.
