Heartfelt tributes pour in as SA mourns loss of beloved actress Crystal-Donna Roberts

by Staff Bona

Beloved South African actress Crystal-Donna Roberts has passed away at age 40.

Known for her roles in ‘Arendsvlei,’ ‘Krotoa,’ and ‘Fynskrif,’ she bravely fought a battle with cancer.

Her husband, Schalk Cornelessen, shared the heartbreaking news on social media.

In 2015, ‘The Endless River’ by South African director Oliver Hermanus, made history as the first South African film to compete for the Venice International Film Festival’s Golden Lion award.

Crystal-Donna Roberts, the lead actress, was nominated for a Best Actress award.

In 2019, on the talk show ‘Between Us,’ Crystal-Donna revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo treatment, as reported by Jacaranda FM.

Crystal-Donna was not only a TV and stage actress but also a beloved TV presenter.

Fans will always remember her as Janice Mortlock from the soap ‘Arendsvlei,’ which ended in 2024.

In 2018, she won a South African Film and Television Award (Safta) for Best Actress for her role in ‘Krotoa.’ The film tells the story of Krotoa (Eva, a name given by the Dutch), a young 11-year-old girl who is taken from her Khoi tribe to serve Jan van Riebeeck, her uncle’s trading partner.

Messages of condolence from fans, colleagues, and loved ones continue to pour in, reflecting the immense impact she had on everyone who knew her or admired her work.

@MaengereFilms said: “Like a comet blazing across the evening sky. Gone too Soon. Rest in Peace Crystal Donna Roberts. My thoughts are with her loved ones and all who she touched through her incredible artistry. It feels so unreal even to write those words.”

 

@earlseptember: “R.I.P. Crystal Donna Roberts. Your presence and personality gave light and life to a room. Thank you for being that light and holding space. Condolences to Schalk and all the family and friends.”

 

 

Words: Fame Frenzy