Andrew Thompson’s fiercely ironic sense of humour will no longer be bringing smiles to South Africans. He is believed to have committed suicide at the weekend.
His was a face known to fans of Afrikaans comedy across the country, a kykNET staple who helped produce some of the most successful Afrikaans films and television series of the past 10 years.
Police spokesman Constable Thabo Malatjie said Thompson’s body was discovered in his home in Darrenwood, Randburg on Saturday by his girlfriend, hanging lifelessly in his bedroom doorway.
It is believed the 26-year-old had used a necktie to hang himself on Friday. Malatjie said no suicide note had been found and an inquest into the death was set to be conducted.
As news of his death spread on Sunday, tributes began pouring in on social networks for the Molly en Wors actor.
“Sending all my love & prayers to Andrew Thompson’s loved ones, 1 of South Africa’s BEST actors who passed away yesterday! RIP Andrew!” said Jay Werner on Twitter.
“RIP Andrew Thompson. What a sad, sad day for television and film in SA,” tweeted fellow fan Janis Ellis.
Thompson had appeared in numerous ads, many of SA’s most popular soapies, and a number of theatrical productions and films. Earlier this year he was nominated for an SA Film and Television Award for his role in the film Roepman. - The Star