Darlington Michaels, a popular South African actor best known for playing Georgie “Papa G” Zamdela in Isidingo, has died.
The beloved actor died on Friday, September 13, at the age of 78, after a brief illness, according to his family.
Micheals, born Teboho Ndarana, rose to prominence as the mining town thug after joining Isidingo in 1997, and he credits the role with improving his life.
For nearly two decades, he wowed audiences with his character’s particular flair, which included speaking Tsotsitaal, a South African street dialect, and donning silk shirts with bright designs and fistfuls of huge gold rings.
His performance was one of the show’s highlights, bringing him legions of followers who adored Papa.
and crafty demeanor.
The news of his death has left South African TV fans devastated, since he was regarded as one of the country’s most renowned television villains.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) issued the following statement: “The SABC is extremely grieved by the demise of the great Darlington Michaels. His enormous contribution to the entertainment business will never be forgotten. We send our heartfelt sympathies to Michael’s family, friends, and fans.
His act was one of the show’s highlights and earned himAfter a difficult absence in which the actor suffered a stroke in 2013, forcing him to walk away from the spotlight to focus on his health, Michaels made a major return to television in 2020, as Gap in Mzansi Magic’s drama series Vula Vala.
He went on to express his excitement at being able to return to the small screen and continue doing what he loved after a setback that nearly cost him everything.
Michaels, a true veteran of the entertainment industry, began his career on stage under the tutelage of South African theater legend Gibson Kente. He rose to prominence with his 1984 drama Survival, which examined the brutal realities of apartheid prisons and their treatment of black inmates.
Michaels is survived by his wife, two daughters, six grandchildren, friends, and innumerable fans who grieve his passing while also celebrating his great contribution to South African television.