Tributes have continued to pour in for Darlington “Papa G” Michaels, who became a fan favourite for his role on the local soapie “Isidingo” for almost two decades.
The actor, whose real name is Teboho Ndarana, died on Friday, September 13. His passing was confirmed by his family through a statement.
The public broadcaster also paid tribute to the talented actor in a statement that read: “The SABC is deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Darlington Michaels.
“His immense contribution to the entertainment industry will forever be remembered. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Michaels family, friends and fans.”
Michaels played Georgie 'Papa G" Zamdela on the SABC show for 16 years after auditioning for the role five times.
His vibrant and charismatic character, with his flamboyant silk shirts, fedoras and bold gold jewellery, won the hearts of his co-stars and as well as viewers.
Many others paid tribute to the actor, including Jack Devnarain, who also featured in “Isidingo” as Rajesh Kumar.
He wrote on X: “What a character, such an icon.”
Following his passing, Devnarain posted photos of Michaels alongside the late actress, Connie Chiume in a bid to highlight that often, South African actors only receive acknowledgement from their industry and the government after their deaths.
In an interview a few years ago, Michaels had said: “As far as I know, you sign a contract; there is a fee that is supposed to be paid out as a royalty for the repeats of which you get 25% of what you were earning per episode”
“People have this perception that I am expensive,” he said. “It’s not like that. We suffer. What you are witnessing is unadulterated poverty. We’re looking left, looking right. But I could still take many casual roles at my age.”
Devnarain told “The Citizen”: “It’s tragic again that Darlington Michaels is another one of those great veterans, the stalwarts of the industry who’ll die now without being able to pass on any residual income to his estate or his family, to his dependants because our country has failed to provide any sort of protection, we haven’t revised our statutory provisions.”
He also described his co-star as “an absolute professional”.
“Theatre trained as well, he understood the discipline and rigours of working as a professional actor.”
Devnarain, who is also the Chairman of the South African Guild of Actors (SAGA), further blamed the government for not adequately contributing to the welfare of local actors.
“Our government has completely failed to effect any kind of revision of our statutory protections.
“We are openly being exploited by producers and broadcasters and those are the two groups that continuously and shamelessly stand in the way of any kind of reform or any kind of transition into a more fair and equitable system where actors can earn some form of royalties in order to sustain our lives,” he said.
Meanwhile, Khabonina Qubeka, who played Michaels’ on-screen daughter, Nina Zamdela, wrote on Instagram: "Papa G, I love you #RIPDarlingtonMichaels".
Jay Anstey, who played Charlie Holmes on “Isidingo” posted: "Papa G! I used to get into so much trouble doing scenes with Darlington in the 'Shebeen'.
“He would make me laugh so much I couldn't get through a scene. I'm talking non-stop belly laughs! He was such a kind, funny and gentle man. Rest in peace."
Meanwhile, Kgomotso Christopher, who played Katlego Sibeko on the soapie, told SABC News: "Bra Darlington was a living legend that us up-and-coming artists had the privilege to work with.
“I knew him as my beloved colleague on ‘Isidingo’ for many years. I shared the set with him and I travelled with him on work road trips, so I knew the professional side of him on set. I also knew Bra Darlington, who was just a laid-back, chilled guy."
"What people don't know about Bra Darlington is that he was very soft-spoken. Soft-spoken, gentleman. Very sweet, a man of very few words," she added.