RIP Crystal-Donna Roberts - gone too soon

MZANSI’S entertainment industry is mourning the loss of talented actress Crystal-Donna Roberts. 

The Krotoa star died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 41 yesterday after a courageous battle with cancer.

The award-winning actress was a mother, wife and a daughter. She leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable performances across film, stage and TV, where she was a fan favourite as Janice in Arendsvlei.

Born and raised in Cape Town, the actress completed her secondary education in Bloemfontein and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Theatre from the University of the Free State in 2005.

After graduating, she moved back to the Mother City where she briefly worked as a high school drama teacher before fully pursuing her acting career.

Roberts’ talent earned her numerous award nominations, including a nomination for Best Actress at the Venice International Film Festival for her role in The Endless River.

In 2018, she also won a South African Film and Television Award (Safta) for Best Actress for her role in Krotoa. She was nominated up for Best Actress in a Telenovela in 2020 and 2021 at the ceremony for her role in Arendsvlei.

Roberts also performed on stage, including a production of Romeo and Juliet Unplugged, Bidsprinkaan and Rondomskrik to list a few.

Colleagues, friends, and fans have taken to social media to pay tributes to Roberts.

@earlseptember wrote on X: “Your presence and personality gave light and life to a room. Thank you for being that light and holding space. Condolences to Schalk and all the family and friends.”

@MaengereFilms added: “Like a comet blazing across the evening sky. Gone too Soon. Rest in Peace Crystal Donna Roberts. My thoughts are with her loved ones and all who she touched through her incredible artistry. It feels so unreal even to write those words.”

Meanwhile, Spinners star Cantona James took to Instagram to post a picture of Roberts on his Stories with the words: “Rest Well Crystal.”

Fellow actress Shimmy Isaacs also posted a video reel which featured her and Roberts. She added the caption: “Rest Gentle My Crystal God has called you home you left us with so much, guidance, friendship, spirituality what a rare and unique soul you were. Rest Gentle chomma so lief vir jou en Schalk. Ons dink aan jou Schalk alle sterkte vir die vriende en familie.”

In addition, Penguin Films added that her role in Krotoa "was monumental and the reason the film gained so much international recognition."