by Thinus Ferreira
Actress Crystal-Donna Roberts has died after losing her battle against stage four breast cancer. She was 40.
Crystal-Donna Roberts who has been in hospital for a period of time battling cancer, died early on Thursday morning in her sleep at home.
Her husband, Schalk Cornelessen who she married in October 2015, on Thursday morning said "Rest in peace my beautiful, beautiful, loving wife".
Crystal-Donna Roberts was known for her role of Janice Mortlock in the soap Arendsvlei on kykNET (DStv 144) and won a Safta award in 2018 for her portrayal of Krotoa in the Krotoa 2017-film.
In 2019 she revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy after she felt a lump in her breast in March 2018. She also quit smoking.
After her mastectomy, cancer cells had spread to her certain glands, for which she got chemotherapy and lost her trademark hair.
Crystal-Donna Roberts who grew up in Cape Town, got her BA degree in drama and theatre at the University of the Free State after which she returned to Cape Town where she was a drama teacher at a school before her career as an actress took off.
Besides six seasons of Arendsvlei she was a field presenter on SABC2's Pasella and appeared in SABC2's 7de Laan soap as Janine.
Other TV roles included Die Boland Moorde, Die Byl, Die Spreeus, Fraksie, Fynskrif, Karavaan, Kompleks, Mense Mense, Montana, Projek Dina, Getroud met Rugby, Vloeksteen, Swartwater as well as Vallei van Sluiers.
In film she had roles in Die Ongelooflike Avonture van Hanna Hoekom, Skeem, Chronicle, The Endless River, and Tussen As en Hoop.
On stage she appeared in Little Shop of Horrors, Bidsprinkaan, Rome & Juliet: Unplugged, Rondomskrik, and Siener in die Suburbs.
Film producer Roberta Durrant of Penguin Films, says "We at Penguin Films are devastated by the passing of Crystal-Donna Roberts - an absolute professional, modest despite her unique and exceptional talent".
"Her portrayal of Krotoa, for which she garnered a Safta for Best actress in a feature film, was monumental and the reason the film gained so much international recognition."
"Her portrayal of Janice in Arendsvlei, for which she received two Safta nominations, was loved by all - feisty, sexy, yet deeply emotional."
"Having worked closely with her over several years, I witnessed her struggle with cancer. Throughout her treatment, she was determined to work - her innate strength and commitment were extraordinary and admirable."
"She will be missed by her colleagues and by all the South African viewers who loved her. Her legacy will live on through her body of work. Rest in peace, dear Crystal. Deep, heartfelt condolences to her family and those closest to her."
kykNET in a statement says "We share in the sorrow over the passing of Crystal-Donna Roberts, a remarkable actress known for her award-winning role in Krotoa and her gripping portrayals in Arendsvlei and Fynskrif".
"Our thoughts are with her husband, family and everyone who loved her during this time. Her talent and passion leave an indelible mark on our hearts".
More to come ...
