South African actress Busisiwe Lurayi ruptured the internet on Monday, when news of her untimely passing was confirmed.
Busisiwe Lurayi dies: What’s the cause of death?
Details around the actress’ death are still murky, and our attempts to get comments from her reps were unsuccessful at the time this article was published.
In a statement released by the family via her management agency, Eye Media Artists, it’s revealed Lurayi passed away at her home on Sunday and, moreover, her death was confirmed by medical personnel.
“The reason for her death is still unknown as we await the results of the autopsy report,” the statement read.
Updates on Lurayi’s cause of death will be provided when more information trickles in.
Busisiwe Lurayi biography
Before her tragic death, Lurayi was a well-respected South African actress, renowned for her role as Tumi in Netflix’s How To Ruin Christmas sequel.
Not much information is available on Lurayi’s background, but in an interview with the late Dr Sindi van Zyl on Kaya FM, the actress revealed that her childhood was best described as nomadic.
“If I had to count the number of schools I went to, I’d lose count because we moved around so much,” she said.
Her acting career started in 2003, when she featured in a musical remake of the 1992 cult classic Sarafina. At the time, her on-screen talents were a secret she kept from her family, whose expectations were to see her pursue a formal education in architecture or diplomacy.
However, very soon, with her natural talent attracting gigs, Lurayi had no choice but to live her truth. Two years later, in 2005, she landed her first major role as Phumzile on SABC 1‘s hit comedy series, City Ses’la, and while she only spent a season on the show, her performance earned her a SAFTA (South African Film and Television Awards) for Best Supporting Actress in a TV Comedy.
Lurayi used the success of her on-screen debut to catapult a well-decorated acting career and since then, she’s starred in:
- How To Ruin Christmas
- Change Down S1
- City Ses’la S1 and S4
- ER S12
- Generations S1
- Home Affairs S4
- Intersexions S2
- Lockdown S2
- Million Rand Money Drop S1
- S.I.E.S S1
- Ses’Top La S1-4
- Sokhulu & Partners S1-2
- Vutha S1
- Wild at Heart S2
Reactions to Lurayi’s death
News of Lurayi’s untimely passing ruptured the internet as soon as the family statement surfaced. Here are some of the reactions from the actress’ fans and peers:
RIP to the gift Busi Lurayi, your passion, determination and contribution will be forever remembered. 🕯
— The Lord Of The Wings Temparence Lisa (@WhyUfikelate) July 11, 2022
#RIPBusiLurayi pic.twitter.com/LV3L6xjcIc
Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us, you’ll never be forgotten 🤍
— Aphelele Jody (@ApheleleJody) July 11, 2022
now take a bow Busi Lurayi , may your soul rest in love 🕊🕊#RIPBusiLurayi pic.twitter.com/JPCNwrQeK4
Rest in peace to Busi Lurayi. An amazing and talented actress she was. Condolences to the Lurayi friends and family. 💔🙏🕊️
— Nkanyezi (@NkanyeziKubheka) July 11, 2022
Busi Lurayi? The star of “how to ruin Christmas” ? Yoh. I’m in shock. May her soul Rest In Peace. She was a lovely actress.
— Lemon 🍋 (@kholofelo_r_) July 11, 2022
What an injustice. #BusiLurayi is the FLAME that caught my eye and lured me to the artistic fire that is How to Ruin Christmas.
— Refilwe Moloto (@RefilWest) July 11, 2022
All loss is painful, but to have such a bright light snuffed out at just 35, as her star was cresting, seems deeply unfair. 🥺💔#RIPBusiLurayi pic.twitter.com/gok0nnEt6G