What a sad way to start the week off! The entertainment industry is in mourning again following the untimely passing of legendary TV actor Jamie Bartlett.
Details surrounding his cause of death are still sketchy. Although his family is yet to release a statement, eNCA has confirmed the news. According to the channel, a close family member confirmed the news.
Jamie was a force to be reckoned with in the industry. His career spanned several decades, and he won the hearts of many people when he played the most feared villain on TV David Genaro, on eTVโs popular soapie Rhythm Cityuntil 2020.
Jamie bagged three SAFTA's for the Rhythm City character. He was undoubtably a prolific actor who inspired the next generation of actors and he leaves behind a great legacy. Messages of condolences and tributes continue to pour in on social media.
Jamie Bartlett will always be remembered for his iconic David Genaro character. One of the best actors we've ever seen in South Africa. May his soul rest in peace ๐๏ธ pic.twitter.com/QgWqft2gbz
โ ๐ฐ๐บ ๐๐๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐บ๐ธ (@Akhona_PQ) May 23, 2022
It was your soul that touched us all ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ Jamie Bartlett a.k.a David Genaro May your soul rest in peace... pic.twitter.com/wL8YlFs44u
โ According To Me (@LetsChipolopolo) May 23, 2022
Jamie left Rhythm City in 2020 and fans were left heartbroken by his untimely exit. The actor used to leave viewers on the edge of their seats with his crazy antics and conniving ways. When he left the show Rhythm City director Eric Mogale, paid tribute to him. He said shooting his exit was iconic.
"He was a gentle giant, a teacher and obviously talent. He is abundantly talented. Shooting his exit was one of the greatest story lines I had to deal with in my entire career. It gave me a lot of anxiety and sleepless nights knowing that a great teacher is leaving our floor," he said.
His passing comes as the industry is reeling from the untimely passing of gospel star Dr. Deborah Fraser. The singer passed away on 15 May 2022 at Christ Hani Baragwanath hospital after suffering a severe stroke. In a statement released by her family they said:
โIt is with deep sadness to inform you of the passing of our beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend, and Gospel musician, Dr Deborah Fraser following a short illness. She passed on today after midday, in the presence of her family and friends.โ
โAs Dr Deborah Fraserโs family we would like to be given space to process and deal with this very tragic situation. The public will be further informed on any developments.โ
Speaking at her funeral her son Nkosana said his mother was in pain and said she was finally free.
โEveryone knew Ma. I'm not going to lie to you, Mom was not OK, especially this year. Death is not something you can get used to. I catch myself sitting in the car alone and realizing it is real; Ma is gone,โ he said.
He further spoke about his Deborah's legacy and thanked her for her teachings. "Ma you can see the mark you've left in South Africa. You can see the effect of your death. You have done a lot for everyone. Anyone who was close to my mom's heart knew it was filled with love. Ma, I would like to thank you for teaching me to be humble. I would like to thank you for teaching me not to look down on others. I want to thank you for everything you have done for me and the family
