Legendary Sa Actress Michelle Botes Dies After Brave Battle With Cancer

South African television icon Michelle Botes, renowned for her roles in Isidingo, Binnelanders, and The Legacy, has died at the age of 63 after a two-and-a-half-year struggle with advanced multiple myeloma,

Botes, who passed away on Saturday morning, had shared her journey with the rare and incurable blood cancer in a recent interview, revealing the emotional and physical toll it had taken on her. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, steroids, and a stem cell transplant, Botes chose to stop aggressive treatments, seeking holistic care in her final months, as per IOL .

Her agent, Suzi Howes, confirmed the news, expressing deep sadness and honoring Botes' legacy in the South African entertainment industry. 'Michelle had grace and a beautiful spirit. She will be greatly missed,' Howes said in a statement.

Botes, who had been living with her son, Daniel, and his wife, Nolene, in Cape Town since her diagnosis in July 2022, was a beloved figure, remembered for her role as the villainous Cherrel de Villers-Hains-le Roux in Isidingo . She earned multiple accolades, including the Best Actress and Best Onscreen Villain awards in 2006 and a SAFTA Golden Horn Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2021.

The actress' passing leaves a deep void in the industry, with tributes pouring in across social media. Oh Talent agency paid tribute to Botes, calling her a true inspiration and praising the light she brought to everyone she met.