South African actress Michelle Botes, best known for her iconic role as Cherel de Villiers-Haines in Isidingo, died on Saturday morning, 21 December 2024, in Cape Town. She was 63.
Michelle Botes dies: What’s the cause of death?
Botes’ talent agency, Oh Talent Management, confirmed her death, and her family revealed she had been battling advanced multiple myeloma, a rare form of incurable blood cancer.
Diagnosed in July 2022, she underwent chemotherapy, steroids, and a stem cell transplant.
Despite exploring alternative treatments, her condition deteriorated in recent weeks, and in October, doctors informed her she had only a few months to live.
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Who was Michelle Botes? – Five things you must know
- Iconic Role in Isidingo: Michelle Botes rose to fame for her portrayal of Cherel de Villiers-Haines, a complex and cunning character in the South African soap opera Isidingo. Her performance earned her multiple SAFTA nominations and cemented her status as a television legend.
- Award-Winning Actress: In addition to Isidingo, Botes starred in Legacy as Angelique Price, a role that garnered her two Golden Horn awards, including Best Actress in a Telenovela in 2023.
- Diverse Talents: Botes was not only an actress but also a trained language instructor, designer, and aromatherapist, showcasing her multifaceted talents.
- Educational Background: She studied Speech and Drama at Stellenbosch University and later obtained a Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Town.
- Personal Life: Michelle Botes was married to actor Ian Roberts, with whom she had two children, Cara and Daniel. She also had a relationship with actor Chris Beasley.
Reactions to Botes’ death
Tributes have poured in from fans, colleagues, and industry leaders, celebrating Botes’ life and legacy.
Here are some of the reactions we picked:
