Award winning actor, Jamie Bartlett, has sadly passed away after going into cardiac arrest.
A statement released on Instagram on Monday by Bartlett’s management firm confirmed the actor’s death:
“It is with deep pain and loss that the management of Jamie Bartlett, South African film, television and theater actor and icon, confirms that he passed on.” His management wrote,
“He took his last breath on 23rd of May 2022 in his sleep while surrounded by his loved ones after suffering a cardiac arrest.”
Bartlett, a 55-year-old South African actor, is acclaimed by his colleagues as a ‘true artistic hero’ has appeared in movies such as Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013), Prey (2007), Red Dust (2004), Beyond Borders (2003), American Ninja 2 (1987) and American Ninja 5 (1993) and won the 2010 Naledi Theatre Award for his lead role performance in Death of a Colonialist.
Television appearances also saw Bartlett make up part of the judging panel on South Africa’s got Talent in 2016, and he is fondly remembered for his leading role as David Genaro in the television drama Rhythm City from 2007 to 2020.
Tributes have been pouring in as colleagues and fans remembered Bartlett and offered their condolences.
On Sunday, Bartlett’s girlfriend Rosa Onious posted the last moments she shared with him on Instagram.
Colleague and actor/writer of Rhythm City Neil McCarthy told eNCA he met Bartlett onset of a theatre production of Shakespeare’s Richard II, and that Bartlett was an incredibly generous person. McCarthy said:
“He was always supportive, he was always out there rooting for you, and ..at the toughest moments of my life I would always gravitate towards Jamie because he was a rock, he would be there and somehow kind of drag the energy and positivity out of any experience.”
Mmusi Maimane wrote on Twitter:
“Waking up to the news that the nation has lost a legend. #RIPJamieBartlett you were a thespian through and through, a national treasure and South Africa will dearly miss you. My condolences to the family, the acting community and to all who had the honor of calling him a friend.”
Bartlett is survived by his son Hector whom he shares with actress Camilla Waldman.
