On the morning of Sunday, September 15, just a few hours before Darlington Michaels passed away, former Rhythm City actor Sello Motloung said his goodbyes to his late co-star Darlington’s passing.
On Friday, September 13, Michaels, who had played the role of Georgie “Papa G” Zamdela, a flamboyant gangster in the television show Isidingo, passed away at the age of 78.
SELLO MOTLOUNG: TRIBUTE
The 54-year-old actor Sello Motloung took to his Facebook on Sunday to pay tribute to his Chikin Biznis co-star, Darlington Michaels.
Motloung wrote: “Chikin Biznis, 1997. Starring Fats Bookholoane, Connie Chiume, Nomhle Nkonyeni, Clementine Mosimane, Lindelani Buthelezi…and many memorable names.”
“A young man of his big screen role found himself in a masterclass he never enrolled for. Now, one of the scenes in the script was with Bookholoane and a Thespian par excellence by the name of Darlington Michaels.”
“The three of us had a ball in that scene. Unfortunately, as they say, the scene didn’t make it to the final print, but rather it was left in the editor’s floor. I have both the final cut and the director’s cut.”
“Treasured for obvious reasons. The second time I shared a frame of Bra D, as he was affectionately known, was on the then Isidingo: The Need.“
“Sleep Well… Bra Darlington Michaels. Thespian & Theatre Maker”, he concluded his tribute.
His death occurred on Sunday, September 15th, according to a statement released by his family to TshisaLIVE. The actor was known for his roles in Generations and The Wife.
“It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the unexpected passing of Ntate Sello Motloung on September 15th. Our request is that you give his family some space at this time because they are in a state of shock. Please contact Artist Connection if you have any questions or concerns. We will miss Sello tremendously, and he will be remembered as one of our legends for all time to come.
Motloung reportedly passed away after collapsing in his home and being rushed to the hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
An update on the circumstances surrounding Motloung’s passing, as well as memorial and funeral services, will be provided by the South African as soon as possible.
Award-winning actress Katlego Danke took to social media on Monday to pay tribute to Sello Motloung, who played the role of Sello Motloung in The Wife. South Africans have expressed their appreciation for the actor.
“This year is turning out to be one of the most challenging ones. A year that was full of suffering and sadness. I suppose that we also need to come to terms with the fact that life is a gift and a genuine cause for celebration. Sello is both my companion and my brother. I am going to miss you. Her words were, “I can’t believe I’m saying these words, but rest in peace RIP.”
According to Nambitha Ben-Mazwi, who formerly appeared in The Vow, she is “devastated to say the least.” Even though I have no idea what is going on, I will always remember the last laughs and fun we had on set last Friday while we were engaged in a battle. The General: Rest in peace, Sello To the family of the legendary figure, my condolences. This is Kubuhlungu. To Uxolo.'”