Darlington Michaels, the legendary actor famously known for his role as Georgie “Papa G” Zamdela on Isidingo, has reportedly passed away.
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South African actor Darlington Michaels, best known as “Papa G” from Isidingo, has reportedly passed away.
Michaels had been hospitalised earlier in September, struggling with health issues, including breathing difficulties.
Fans are mourning the loss of the beloved TV icon, albeit a statement has yet to surface from his family.
Darlington ‘Papa G’ Michaels dies: What’s the cause of death?
Michaels, who was hospitalised earlier this month, was battling health issues, including difficulty breathing, which led to his admission to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto.
While the exact cause of death has yet to be confirmed, his health had reportedly deteriorated significantly in recent months, with sources stating that he had been struggling with mobility and general well-being.While news of Papa G’s death has been circulating online, with several sources corroborating the information, a formal statement from the family has yet to surface.
Darlington ‘Papa G’ Michaels biography
Darlington Michaels was a veteran in the South African entertainment industry with a career spanning over four decades.
He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Georgie “Papa G” Zamdela, the smooth-talking mobster on Isidingo, which became one of the defining roles of his career.
Michaels first joined Isidingo when it debuted in 1998, and his character became a fan favourite, known for his Tsotsi taal, flashy wardrobe, and extravagant personality.
Michaels’ career, however, began on the stage under the mentorship of renowned theatre director Gibson Kente.
In 1984, he wrote and starred in a play titled Survival, which addressed the treatment of Black prisoners during apartheid. The political nature of his work led to his arrest, where he spent three months in jail without trial.
Despite these challenges, Michaels persevered, eventually transitioning to television, where he made his mark in shows like Zone 14, The Lab, Heartlines, and Rhythm City.
In 2013, Michaels suffered a stroke while on a work trip to Cape Town. He spent several months recovering at Groote Schuur Hospital, an experience that deeply impacted him.
Although he made a partial recovery, his mobility was affected, and he had to use a walking stick in the years that followed.
Reactions to Papa G’s death
News of Darlington Michaels’ passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond, with many fans expressing their grief.
Tributes have poured in from across social media, with many recalling his contributions to South African television.
Here are some of the reactions we picked: