Michelle Botes, a legendary South African actress, has passed away at the age of 63.
Best known for her iconic role in Isidingo, Botes died on Saturday morning after a courageous battle with advanced multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable form of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow.
Her passing has left a void in the South African entertainment industry, where she was celebrated as a talented performer and a beloved figure.
In her final interview with Bruis, a publication close to her heart, Botes candidly spoke about her two-and-a-half-year journey with the disease.
Diagnosed in July 2022, she initially underwent intensive treatments, including chemotherapy, steroids, and a stem cell transplant.
However, the side effects took a toll on her quality of life. “I didn’t want to feel so bad again and not be myself,” she revealed.
This decision reflected her strength and determination to prioritize her dignity and well-being in her remaining days.
Her agent, Suzi Howes of Oh Talent, confirmed the heartbreaking news to IOL, expressing deep sadness at her loss. “We are very saddened by the news.
She was an icon of our industry. Michelle had grace and a beautiful spirit. She will be greatly missed,” Howes said.
The agency also extended their heartfelt condolences to Botes’ family, friends, and fans, emphasizing the profound impact she had on everyone she encountered.
In a touching tribute on social media, Oh Talent honored the late actress, highlighting her remarkable dedication to her craft and her radiant personality:
“RIP @michellebotesofficial. It was an honor knowing you over this past year. Your commitment to your craft was inspirational. You had a light inside you that was felt by all who were around you. Deepest condolences to your nearest and dearest.”
This sentiment captures the admiration and respect Botes commanded throughout her illustrious career.
Since her diagnosis, Botes had been living with her son, Daniel, and his wife, Nolene, in Observatory, Cape Town. The actress treasured this time with her family, which also included her daughter, who stood by her side during her health struggles.
While doctors gave her a grim prognosis of two to three months to live in October, Botes chose to approach the end of her life with grace.
In November, she transitioned to holistic and less invasive cancer treatments, demonstrating her resilience and inner strength even as her health declined.
Reflecting on her final days, Botes told Bruis: “Whatever awaits me, I’m ready.” These poignant words encapsulate her acceptance and bravery in the face of her mortality.
Though her health rapidly deteriorated in her last two weeks, she remained a source of inspiration, leaving behind a legacy of strength, grace, and an indomitable spirit.
Botes was revered for her unforgettable portrayal of Cherrel de Villiers-Haines-le Roux in Isidingo. The villainous character earned her a devoted fan base, with viewers often expressing a love-hate relationship with her performance.
Beyond Isidingo, she showcased her versatility in roles on Binnelanders and M-Net’s telenovela The Legacy, further cementing her status as one of South Africa’s most talented actresses.
Her career was studded with accolades that celebrated her immense talent. In 2006, she received dual honors at the nineteenth annual Avanti Awards, winning Best Actress and Best Onscreen Villain.
More recently, in 2021, she was awarded a SAFTA Golden Horn for Best Supporting Actress in a Telenovela, a testament to her enduring impact on South African television.
As the entertainment world mourns her loss, Michelle Botes’ legacy lives on through her memorable performances and the countless lives she touched.
Her courage in the face of illness, her dedication to her craft, and her unwavering spirit will forever remain an inspiration.
South Africa has lost a true icon, but her light will continue to shine in the hearts of her family, colleagues, and fans.
