Aletta Bezuidenhout died on Tuesday, 13 February 2024. She was 76.
Aletta Bezuidenhout dies: What’s the cause of death?
News of the iconic actress first turned up in a Facebook post published by her son Hamilton Shamley. According to the son, Bezuidenhout was declared dead at approximately 01:18 on Tuesday morning.
She died peacefully in the presence of her two sons.
“I will remember my mother as she lived, honest, energetic, highly intuitive and with her own special type of wisdom,” Shamley wrote.
An official cause of death has yet to be formally noted.
Aletta Bezuidenhout biography
Aletta Bezuidenhout, a luminary in the world of South African theatre, film, and writing, has left an indelible mark on the arts. Born on 17 May 1949, in Nairobi, Kenya, Bezuidenhout’s journey took her from an engineer’s daughter to a celebrated actress and playwright with a rich legacy that spans several decades.
Bezuidenhout’s early life was characterised by her education in drama at the University of Cape Town (UCT), a foundational period that propelled her into a career filled with diverse and impactful roles.
She married musician Colin Shamley, actor Tertius Meintjes, and later Anthony Perris, marking personal chapters that contributed to her multifaceted life story.
Her career was nothing short of illustrious. Starting in the 1970s, Bezuidenhout became a staple in South African theatre, working closely with iconic directors like Barney Simon.
She was known for her roles in productions like Weerskant die Nag, Committed, Spoon, and Mother Courage, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress.
Beyond acting, she contributed significantly as a playwright, crafting stories that resonated deeply with audiences.
Bezuidenhout’s work on the screen was equally commendable, with appearances in films and TV series like In My Country, Paljas, and Orion, among others.
The news of Aletta Bezuidenhout’s passing has stirred a wave of reactions from admirers, colleagues, and fans alike.
Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais paid tribute to Bezuidenhout, describing her as “a leading light of South African theatre.”
“I will never forget her powerful acting in the Afrikaans translation of Bertolt Brecht’s Mutter Mut und ihre Kinder. It was a tour de force – tough theatre, and brilliant. Her ability to bring any character to life with her immense talent has left a legacy on South African film and theatre. I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family and friend during this difficult time.” Marais said.
Here are some of the social media reactions we picked: