Mary Twala, The Veteran Actress died today aged 80 on her late husband’s birthday, confirmed by Somizi. He took to Instagram to confirm the death of his mother. Twala was has been on television for as long as I can remember, in 2011 she was nominated for the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
Her acting career goes back way beyond the 2000s, she has been featured on films like Mapansula which was released in 1988, she was also part of Sarafina! together with her son. In 2010, she was played a supporting role in Hopeville.
Hopeville (Film) at the time won a number of awards, she also played ‘Ma Dolly’ which scored her a Best Supporting Actress nomination in the 6th Africa Movie Academy Awards.
She came back stronger in 2015 in a film called Vaya after she had been out of the industry for a while due to medical procedures. Somizi took to Instagram to announce that ‘the tree has fallen’
Early this year, Twala suffered a heart attack – however, she was able to attend her son’s wedding which was broadcasted on Showmax.
“I’m shattered to the core, but I’d be very selfish if I don’t release her. My mom lived to the fullest, achieved beyond her dreams, it hurts like hell. I won’t lie, a day without her calling to either say I love u or give me money. ”
“Thank you South Africa for loving the phenomenal superstar that is my mother. She left us peacefully around 11 am at Parklane Pvt hospital as I was on my way to drop off her gown and a few minutes earlier the dr called to say come shes up and jolly now. I arrived a few mins late. LALA MA.” concluded Somizi.
The veteran actress was bestowed by President Cyril Ramaphosa The Order of Ikhamanga in Silver for all the incredible work and contribution to the South African arts in performance.
Going back in history you will see that Mrs. Twala has been truly immersed in the world of arts. My deep condolences to Somizi, family, and friends.
The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of the iconic actor and Esteemed Member of the Order of Ikhamanga.
President @CyrilRamaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of veteran actor and Esteemed Member of the Order of Ikhamanga, Ms Mary Twala. https://t.co/DZ9DCx1hDp #RIPMaryTwala pic.twitter.com/oa8yxLKXtq
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) July 4, 2020
In a statement, the President said: “Like millions of South Africans, I am saddened by the passing of a great icon of our nation’s creative community; someone who was a household name and face to all of us and brought home the joys, the struggles and the humour under pressure that characterizes our national life.”
“We have lost a unique talent and an endearing human being whose performances brought to life the meaning of being South African and appealed to South Africans of all generations. We will miss her dearly.” concluded the President.
Image Credit: Actor Spaces
