Anti-apartheid activist and playwright Athol Fugard has died at the age of 92 at his Stellenbosch home. According to his daughter Lisa Fugard, Athol’s cause of death was a “heart incident.”
The acclaimed South African playwright and director was best known for his theatre productions ‘Master Harold’ . . . and the Boys’ and ‘Boesman and Lena’.
Fugard was a staunch critic of the apartheid government and used his plays as a tool to explore the brutality of the regime. Dubbed the “conscience of South Africa,” the Washington Post says several of his stage works were performed in New York. In 2011, he also received a lifetime achievement award at the Tonys.
‘Master Harold’, which opened on Broadway in 1982, is the most autobiographical of Fugard’s plays. His novel ‘Tsotsi’ was adapted for the big screen in 2005 and won the Academy Award for Best
International Feature Film the following year.
After hearing news of his death, fellow thespians took to social media to share their condolences.
Theatre great John Kani wrote: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Athol Fugard. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Elder.”
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Athol Fugard. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Elder 🌹 pic.twitter.com/BVrKRczUxB
— JOHN KANI OIS OBE (@KANI_ELDER) March 9, 2025
Northern Cape Film Week paid tribute: “A giant takes his final bow. Athol Fugard has etched truth into history.
“His words, a reckoning. His silences, thunderous. Our beloved South Africa has lost a literary titan; the world, a fearless storyteller. Rest in power, Maestro.”
🎭 A giant takes his final bow. Athol Fugard has etched truth into history. His words, a reckoning. His silences, thunderous. Our beloved South Africa has losed a literary titan; the world, a fearless storyteller. Rest in power, Maestro. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/OyEkWvl7c9
— Northern Cape Film Week (@NC_FilmWeek) March 9, 2025
Premier Alan Winde added: “South Africa has lost a literary giant. Athol Fugard’s sharp wit and deep understanding of our country’s story have left a lasting mark on our cultural heritage.
“His work challenged, inspired, and reflected the heart of our nation. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. May his legacy continue to shine on our stages and beyond.”
South Africa has lost a literary giant. Athol Fugard’s sharp wit and deep understanding of our country’s story have left a lasting mark on our cultural heritage. His work challenged, inspired, and reflected the heart of our nation. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with… pic.twitter.com/tacEhvwkLN
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) March 9, 2025
According to the New York Times, Fugard is survived by his second wife, his daughter from his first marriage, Lisa Fugard, two children from his second marriage, Halle and Lanigan, and a grandson.
