Veteran actress Themsie Times, popular for her role as Maria Zibula on 7de Laan, has died.
7de Laan publicity manager Kayleen Bessit confirmed the news to TshisaLIVE on Friday, saying Times died on Thursday.
“It is unfortunately true. As far as I understand she passed yesterday,” the publicist said.
She said an official statement would soon follow.
The 70-year-old played Maria for 13 years before leaving the show in 2016.
"She's obviously not been a part of the show for a very long time. She's always been an integral part of the show," Kayleen said.
Maria, a kind-hearted, straight-talking but money-loving domestic helper for Hilda (Annelisa Weiland) and Oubaas (Pierre van Pletzen), kept the couple's flat clean and helped them maintain the peace many times.
Even though she was most popular as Maria, Times also featured in other big productions including the role Ma Jordan in the first season of Yizo Yizo and appearances in films such including Cry, the Beloved County and Beat the Drum.
After leaving the popular SABC2 soapie, Times told You magazine she would pour her time and energy into church matters.
The actress was a mom of three and a grandmother of six, and lived in Johannesburg with two of her grandchildren.
Tributes have started trickling in on social media.
Former ‘7de Laan’ actress Themsie Times, who played Maria, has died
Image: Gallo Images/Sarie
Veteran actress Themsie Times, popular for her role as Maria Zibula on 7de Laan, has died.
7de Laan publicity manager Kayleen Bessit confirmed the news to TshisaLIVE on Friday, saying Times died on Thursday.
“It is unfortunately true. As far as I understand she passed yesterday,” the publicist said.
She said an official statement would soon follow.
The 70-year-old played Maria for 13 years before leaving the show in 2016.
"She's obviously not been a part of the show for a very long time. She's always been an integral part of the show," Kayleen said.
Maria, a kind-hearted, straight-talking but money-loving domestic helper for Hilda (Annelisa Weiland) and Oubaas (Pierre van Pletzen), kept the couple's flat clean and helped them maintain the peace many times.
Even though she was most popular as Maria, Times also featured in other big productions including the role Ma Jordan in the first season of Yizo Yizo and appearances in films such including Cry, the Beloved County and Beat the Drum.
After leaving the popular SABC2 soapie, Times told You magazine she would pour her time and energy into church matters.
The actress was a mom of three and a grandmother of six, and lived in Johannesburg with two of her grandchildren.
Tributes have started trickling in on social media.
This is a developing story.
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