Actress Crystal-Donna Roberts Dies After Battle with Cancer at 41

Award-winning actress and children’s book writer Crystal-Donna Roberts, known for her roles in Krotoa, 7de Laan, and Arendsvlei, has tragically passed away at the age of 41. According to The Citizen, Roberts lost her battle with cancer on Thursday morning.

Her husband, Schalk Cornelessen, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, writing: “RIP my beautiful beautiful loving wife.” According to Netwerk24, Roberts passed away peacefully in her sleep at their Cape Town home, surrounded by her family. “My heart is broken, but she was peaceful when she went. She is with God, free of pain,” Cornelessen told the publication.

Roberts’ agent, Karen Tallie, confirmed her death to News24 and shared that she had been battling stage four breast cancer. She requested that the public respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time. The actress died around 1 am on Thursday morning.

Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2019. After undergoing several treatments, including three biopsies, a double mastectomy, four rounds of chemotherapy, and 25 rounds of radiation, she shared on social media in October 2019 that she was done with treatment. In a hopeful post from March 2020, Roberts reflected on her journey, writing: “Last year on the 7th of March 2019 I was told I was sick. It’s a year later and I’m still here. I am grateful. Here’s to giving cancer the finger.”

Roberts’ passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from her colleagues. Actress Donnalee Roberts posted on Instagram, “Today I miss our visits in our 7de Laan dressing room… rest in peace, beautiful, beautiful person.” KykNET, the network behind some of her most beloved shows, also shared their condolences, writing in an Instagram post, “We are thinking of her husband, family, and everyone who loved Crystal during this time. Her talent and passion left an indelible mark on our hearts.”

Her remarkable legacy as an actress and writer will live on, leaving a lasting impact on both her fans and the entertainment industry.

RIP:

Crystal-Donna Roberts

South African SAFTA winning actor and tv presenter has passed away at the age of 40.

Best known for playing Janine in the SABC2 soapie 7de Laan, the actress lost her battle with breast cancer. #RIPCrystalDonnaRoberts pic.twitter.com/gYq2pc3xXd

— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) March 6, 2025