Legendary actor Terry Fortune was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 11th annual kykNET Fiëstas, which aired on Sunday night.
The awards ceremony, which was pre-recorded for the first time in its history due to the pandemic, honours outstanding performances in the performing arts.
Among other awards, the Fiëstas also pay tribute to veterans for their lifelong contribution to the theatre and entertainment industry.
This year the actor, filmmaker and radio personality Nic de Jager; singer and actor Terry Fortune; and the legendary photographer Bob Martin received this award.
Terry, 72, who spent the weekend in bed with the flu, says he was moved to tears by the honour of receiving the award.
But he joked: “If I could win an award, it would be for paranoia. Yassis, I was paranoid this weekend worried about this flu being Covid, but thank God it wasn’t. I am fine today.”
He went on to say: “I didn’t even watch the awards on TV because I don’t have DStv, but I was moved by all the clips people were sending me of the awards they filmed on their TV screens, and all the messages of congra-tulations.
“I was knocked out, blown away, humbled and hugely honoured that all the years spent in the industry had been recognised.
“For me it was important (as it is also) in memory of so many of the colleagues who didn’t live to my age, who were never celebrated, I thought of Taliep Petersen, Zayn Adam, Robbie Jansen and so many others.”
Terry says 2021 is also his 50th anniversary of being in the arts industry.
I embrace this award in memory of those who were not blessed to live to my age and whose contribution to the arts was never acknowledged.
“Fifty years ago the Luxurama had a talent contest and that's where it all started, all the dots are coming together.”
Some of Terry’s career highlights include being part of South Pacific and Gems of the Opera, doing cabaret alongside Zayn Adam, Leslie Kleinsmith and Taliep Petersen in cabaret venues including the Sherwood Lounge.
In 2009, Terry won a Fleur Du Cap award for his role in the David Kramer hit musical, Songbook.
Karen Meiring, M-Net Director: kykNET Channels said: “Terry Fortune is a true legend, not just for being the brilliant artist that he is, but for his incredible contribution to the SA arts and entertainment industry, and for that we need to honour and thank him.”
venecia.america@inl.co.za