Entertainment industry reeling from Darlington Michaels’ passing

The South African entertainment industry is yet again reeling from shock following the death of yet another veteran actor Darlington Michaels.

Best known for his role as Georgie “Papa G” Zamdela in the SABC 3 soapie -Isidingo The Need, Michaels passed away on Friday night at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto where he was being treated for an undisclosed illness.

Social media is being flooded with messages from fans, fellow actors and friends expressing their sadness at his passing, but also thanking him for bringing entertainment into their living rooms.

Born into a family of artists, Michaels began his acting career under the mentorship of South African theatre icon, Gibson Kente.

He later ventured into television with Isidingo in 1998, cementing his legacy.

Michaels also made notable appearances in other productions, including the Mzansi Magic sitcom Chandies, where he portrayed the conman Daliza in 2012.

Fans say that ‘Papa G’ played a huge role in their lives.

“Zamdela is the greatest legend, somebody who used to inspire me. He is a father figure. I just look up to him. He was a legend, his chains were charming. I wish I had somebody like him close to me on daily basis. He is one of those rare characters.”

Known for his larger-than-life personality, Papa G’s signature floral shirts, flashy gold jewellery, and smooth Tsotsi taal made him one of the most memorable characters in local television history.

The South African entertainment industry has been pouring out tributes to the beloved actor.

Actress Kgomotso Christopher says it was an honour and a privilege to have worked with him.

“So it’s a huge loss for all of us who’ve had the privilege and honor to walk the entertainment path with him. Indeed bra Darlington was a living legend that us upcoming artists had the privilege to work with. I knew as my beloved colleague on Isidingo for many, many years, I shared the set with him, I traveled with him on work road trips,” adds Christopher.

“So I knew the professional side of him on set and I also knew Bra Darlington, which was the laid back, chilled guy. I know that very soft side of him. He really cares about upcoming artists and he lived that passion through his NGO Melisizwe,” explains Christopher.

A true veteran of the entertainment industry, his brilliant acting skills endeared him to many.

“My heat is so sore that he has passed away, I loved him so much. He was a great actor and made me laugh. May his soul rest in peace.”

“I remember Papa G by a lot of things – he likes wearing gold chains and likes speaking Tsotsi taal – is just that I can’t remember his words but he loved his Tsotsi taal.”

Details around a memorial service and funeral are still to be communicated.

Darlington ‘Papa G’ Michaels passes on, Kgomotso Christopher weighs in: