South African television and theatre icon Michelle Botes, known for her unforgettable performance as Cherel de Villiers-Haines in the acclaimed series Isidingo, has passed away at the age of 62. Botes succumbed to a brave battle against advanced multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable form of blood cancer that primarily affects the bone marrow. She passed away this morning, leaving behind a legacy that has touched many in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Botes was diagnosed with the illness in July 2022, and despite her hope for alternative holistic treatments set for January 2025, her health took a dramatic turn for the worse in recent months. In October, medical assessments revealed a steep increase in her cancer count, marking a challenging descent in her condition. Doctors had initially projected three months to live, yet hope lingered in her heart.
“Michelle was an icon in our industry,” reflected her agent Suzi Howes, who regularly praised her dedication and grace. “She took her craft seriously and was passionate about performing. She was filled with grace and had a beautiful spirit.” Howes’s sentiments echo the thoughts of many within the industry who admired Botes for both her talent and her resilience.
Botes’s personal life was marked by her marriage to Ian Roberts, which lasted until their divorce in 1999. The couple shared two children, Cara and Daniel. Roberts expressed his deep sadness for Botes’s plight today, recalling her brave fight against cancer, which began earnestly over two years ago with chemotherapy treatments. “After the chemo, she told me it was absolutely horrible and that she wouldn’t do chemo again,” he noted. Despite a slight recovery, the aggressive nature of the cancer returned, prompting Botes to declare, “I’m going my own way now.” Acknowledging her immense talent, Roberts added, “It’s tragic that we lost someone like Michelle.”
During her remarkable career, Botes showcased her versatility in various roles across theatre, film, and television. She not only charmed audiences in the soap opera Isidingo, but also delivered poignant performances in series such as Arende, Konings, and Binnelanders, where she portrayed Ingrid Jordaan. Her talents were recognised earlier this year at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), where she won the award for Best Actress in a Telenovela for her role as Angelique in M-Net’s Legacy.
Since her diagnosis, Botes had been living in Observatory, Cape Town, with her son Daniel and his wife, who stood by her during the toughest of times. The collective mourning at her passing is already palpable, as colleagues and fans alike reflect on the light she brought into the lives of those around her.