Death is inevitable. How and when it comes, though, makes all the difference. For celebrated South African actor Louis van Niekerk, death came at the ripe age of 87 after decades in theatre and film.
According to multiple sources, the iconic actor died after a short illness on Tuesday, February 7, at the Netcare Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg. The exact cause of death was not given at the time of writing.
However, a close family friend, Sandi Schultz, confirmed the death and gave some details on the same, noting that the thespian took ill and was taken to Netcare Hospital, where he spent about two weeks before passing away peacefully around 5:15 pm.
Louis spent decades in the industry and featured in several notable productions, the more memorable being “Egoli: Place of Gold”, “Getroud Met Rugby”, “Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom” and “The Fourth Reich“.
Since the news of his death broke, those who knew him and his artistic contributions to South Africa’s film universe have been sharing their thoughts on what his passing means and how they would miss the energy he brought to his roles as an actor.
Details of his funeral will be announced shortly. So long, Louis van Niekerk!
