Former Isibaya actor Andile Gumbi, has died after suffering a heart attack while working on a musical in Israel. Andile was starring on the production, ‘Daniel The Musical’ in which he played the role of King Nebuchadnezzar.
ALSO READ: Skeem Saam actor Thema Isaac Mokoena (Ramolao Moloisi) has passed away
Andile was best known for his role as Zweli Ngubane on the Mzansi Magic series Isibaya.
This week the production confirmed that he was in ICU and that his wife had flown to Israel to be by his side.
Mzansi Magic Publicity & EPG Coordinator confirmed the news in a public statement: “As Mzansi Magic, we are saddened by the passing of our former Isibaya actor Andile Gumbi. Andile was very talented, with lots still to offer to the entertainment industry. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed,” said Philly Khubheka, HOD, PR and publicity for local entertainment channels at Mzansi Magic.
SABC 1 also released a statement, mourning the 36-year-old actor. He is currently appearing in the free-to-air channel’s dramedy Makoti.
“SABC 1 Management and staff is overcome with shock and sadness to learn of Andile Gumbi’s untimely passing. Andile is currently making an appearance on our TV screen in his role as ‘Pastor Siyabonga’ in the channels’ recently-introduced dramedy, Makoti.
RIP: Stage and screen actor Andile Gumbi has died
The Isibaya star has been in a coma for the last few days after suffering a heart attack while working on a theatre production in Israel
He was 36 years old. #RIPAndileGumbi pic.twitter.com/lEVbXCJEla
— Kgopolo Phil Mphela (@PhilMphela) October 25, 2019
We were all looking forward to him making an impactful contribution to the industry and the SABC 1 brand as we believed he still had so much more to contribute to this industry and the SABC 1 brand. We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and fans during this time. May his soul rest in power.”
#RIPAndileGumbi MEC @MbaliHlopheSA sends her condolences. “It is sad news for the entire arts and culture fraternity. The passing of this talented actor is indeed a major blow to the industry and country at large. My deepest sympathy to the Gumbi family and friends.” pic.twitter.com/cFBNlIrKgs
— GautengSACR (@GautengSACR) October 26, 2019
According to a statement released by the production on its Facebook page, last week Friday, Andile suffered a heart attack. “In the early morning he deteriorated and suffered a cardiac arrest, but the medical personnel at Shaare Zedek Medical Centre managed to successfully resuscitate him,” they wrote.
Image Courtesy: Twitter.com