THE multi-award-winning South African stage and television actor Jamie Bartlett has died in Johannesburg at the age of 55.
Bartlett is well-known for his role as Mike O’Reilly in Isidingo on SABC3, David Genaro in Rhythm City on e.TV, and as a judge on SA’s Got Talent on e.TV.
Three years ago, Bartlet won a SAFTA for his role on Rhythm City as David Genaro, affectionately known as “The Don”.
He left Rhythm City after 13 years.
His last appearance was in February 2020.
Bartlett was born in 1966 to a South African mother and a British father in Maidenhead, England.
He attended Johannesburg’s St. Stithians Boys College, Cape Town’s Rondebosch High School, and Brynston High School. He went to the University of Cape Town to study speech and drama after graduating from high school.
Film producer Anant Singh, currently attending the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival in the south of France, described Bartlett as a master of his craft.
“It is with great shock that I learnt of the sudden passing of Jamie Bartlett last night. Jamie was a master of his craft and was known for the powerful performances he delivered in Iconic roles he played in films and television shows,” said Singh.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Jamie over three decades, starting with the Iraqi war themed film, BRAVO TWO ZERO; followed by the TRC film, RED DUST in which he played an apartheid-era security policeman; the thriller PREY and Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom,” said Singh.
Inkatha Freedom Party took to social media to offer their condolences to the Bartlet family.
“We offer our deepest and most sincere condolences to the friends, family and fans of multi-award- winning South African Actor, #JamieBartlett. May his soul forever rest in peace,” the party said.
One SA Leader Mmusi Maimane said Bartlett was a national treasure.
“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 honour of calling him friend,” Maimane said on Twitter.
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