Legendary actress Elize Cawood dies at age 68
A statement released on behalf of her family revealed that the actress was diagnosed with lung cancer in September 2019
Veteran South African actor Elize Cawood has died at the age of 68 after a nearly year-long battle with lung cancer.
Cawood passed away on Saturday, 18 July 2020 alongside her family. According to her daughter Jenna Dunster, she was diagnosed with cancer in September 2019.
“She was diagnosed with lung cancer in September and fought gracefully until the end. She was in no pain when she passed and both me and my father were there with her”, Dunster said in a Facebook post.
“Our worlds will never be the same without her – but we celebrate the exquisite human being that she was.”
“Thank you to everyone for you love and support, we truly appreciate it, but we would like some privacy during this time”
Born in Bloemfontein in 1952, Cawood studied drama at the University of the Free State, where she obtained her BA degree. Her career spans several decades and she has starred in a number of productions, most notably Isidingo (The Need), Villa Rosa, Taxi to Soweto, Liefling die Movie, Die Wonderwerker and Lien se Lankstaanskoene.
In 1982, she married fellow actor Wilson Dunster, with whom she starred in Paul Slabolepszy’s The Art Of Charf and Dinner For One.
‘A National Treasure’
Meanwhile the arts fraternity has paid tribute to her, many reflecting on her illustrious career and talent.
Fellow actress Thembisa Nxumalo has described Cawood as a national treasure.
“Elize Cawood was a national treasure. The epitome of an all rounder. Artist to the core (emoji) I’m so glad the world allowed her to stay that way, and still work”, she tweeted.
“It is with great sadness that (SAGA) offers a farewell tribute in honour of (Elize Cawood). Celebrated SAGA member & veteran of stage, TV & film, Elize will live on in our hearts & memories. Our deepest sympathies to her family & friends for their loss,” a tweet from the South African Guild of Actors chairman’s account reads.
Stage legend John Kani has also paid tribute to the star.
“I pay a special tribute to one of South Africa’s great stage and film actor Elize Cawood who passed away this morning. Deepest condolences to the Dunster Family. RIP Elize. The Market Theatre salutes you”, Kani tweeted.
