Snl24 | WATCH | Farewell to Papa G: Actor takes final bow

POPULAR actor and performer Darlington Michaels was laid to rest on Saturday, 21 September.

His funeral service was held at Uncle Tom’s Community Hall in Orlando West, Soweto and his body was later taken to West Park Cemetery in Joburg.

Painter Rasta painting a portrait of the late Papa G at his funeral service. Photo by Phuti Mathobela

The actor, whose real name was Tebogo Nadarane, died after a short illness at the age of 78 on Friday, 13 September. He’s survived by his wife Busisiwe Ndarane, his three children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Actor Darlington Michaels was laid to rest on Saturday. Photo by Phuti Mathobela

The actor was best known for his role as the flamboyant gangster Georgie “Papa G” Zamdela in the SABC3 soapie, Isidingo. It was a sad day for his beloved family, friends, and fans as they said their last goodbyes to him. Many shared their experiences with him and how loving he was.

Tshepo Dingaan said his uncle was a fighter and loved his work. He said they will always cherish the memories they had together as a family.

Xoli Noah said they travelled the world together and enjoyed life to the fullest with the late actor.

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“He loved what he was doing, and he would push even when he was sick. In his last moments when he got into the hospital, he told me how much he loved me. When we got there at the hospital, he looked so strong. When we left, he said, ‘please don’t leave me alone,'” Xoli said.

He said Papa G was a strong man and would hide his pain.

From left: Actor Jerry Mofokeng, make-up artist Bongi Mlotshwa, actress Gabisile Tshabalala, a mourner and Papa G’s co-star on Isidingo. Motlatsi Mafatshe. Photo by Phuti Mathobela.

“He treated me like his own son, and I thank his family for giving him to us. He was so in love with young people. His legacy will continue to live on forever,” he said.

Molly Feju, the actor’s niece, said her dad loved the actor a lot. She said they loved how he was so humble and down to earth.

“He would take photos with anyone without even being angry. That’s how great he was to everyone in this world,” she said.

Kamohelo Nadarane, the star’s granddaughter, said she loved doing her school work with him. She said he used to assist her with her Afrikaans homework.

“He loved Afrikaans a lot, and he didn’t like it when I didn’t do well while presenting to him. It felt like I was doing auditions as he was strict and wanted us to do things right,” she said.

Kamohelo Nadarane, Darlington Michaels’ granddaughter, talking about how great he was to them. Photo by Phuti Mathobela

Kalosi Ramakhula, a close friend, said he worked with the late actor back in the day. He said Papa G was a genius and a brilliant man.

“I’m happy he worked with me on many shows, and I’m thankful for everything. We did a lot together in our days,” he said.

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