Mandela star Jamie Bartlett has tragically died aged 55, it was announced on Tuesday.
His death was confirmed to South Africa's eNCA by a family member.
No cause of death has been revealed.
The South African actor was best known for his role as the wicked puppet master, David Genaro in Rhythm City and Mike O'Reilly in Isidingo.
Jamie played James Gregory in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, alongside Idris Elba and Naomie Harris. The film is based on the 1994 book, written by Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa.
Tributes began to pour in for the screen star, who was born in Maidenhead, after news broke of his death.
One fan wrote: "Terrible news hey. Rest in peace #JamieBartlett", while another added: "Super sadness about Jamie Bartlett".
A third fan chimed: "RIP Jamie Bartlett. You played the villain with such aplomb, acting, at its delightful best. You will be missed."
"The Legendary Jamie Bartlett, condolences to the family", said another.
He attended St. Stithians Boys College in Johannesburg, Rondebosch High School in Cape Town, and Brynston High School.
Then after leaving school, he studied speech and drama at the University of Cape Town.
After he went on to do a post-graduate masterclass at Chrysalis Theatre Acting School in London.
Jamie's film career began in 1987 with the action sequel film American Ninja 2.
He went on to star in American Ninja 5 in 1993 where he acted alongside Michael Dudikoff and Steve James.
In 2003 he had a supporting role in Angelina Jolie's romance drama Beyond Borders.
As well as being a prominent figure on screen, Jamie had a successful stage career.
Most of his theatre work took place at the Market Theatre as he had strong ties to the building during the apartheid era.
The theatre was known internationally as South Africa's "Theatre of the Struggle" and it challenged the apartheid regime.
In 1997, Bartlett won the Vita Best Actor Award at the theatre for his role in the production of Mojo.
He returned more than a decade later for the show Death of a Colonialist, taking on the lead role of history teacher Harold Smith.
Jamie won the 2010 Naledi Theatre Award for Best Performance by an actor in a Lead Role.
Bartlett was previously married to Generations actress Camilla Waldman.
The couple, who welcomed a son Hector together, later divorced.
Following the news of his death, social media has been flooded with tributes.
Actor, choreographer and media personality Somizi wrote on Instagram: "And just like that, last night would be the last night together.
"I even made fun of you for greeting each and every person including the kitchen staff. Your spirit knew farewell my Jamie."
