Just In: Award-winning writer, director and Egoli creator Franz Marx dies
Tributes to writer and director Franz Marx have flooded social media after the news of his passing. The creator of M-Net’s Egoli succumbed to Covid-19 complications on Sunday.
Marx began his TV career as a full-time actor in the 1960s and went on to build a name for himself as one of the first people to make soapies popular when he became a director, writing a number of TV and mini-series.
Writer Leon van Nierop was among the first to pay tribute to Marx in an emotional Facebook post.
“Franz was bigger than life itself. His personality, the manner in which he gave criticism, his writer’s talent, his creative skills and the manner in which he worked with you (as a writer), and how he intervened if things on the Egoli set didn’t go as he wished, was remarkable,” he wrote.
“What a loss. One would have been able to write books about him. But with this just first an acknowledgement to Franz as the uncontested and highly respected king of soaps. Many people who still write soaps today learnt from him. A giant is gone,” he added.
Singer Steve Hofmeyr took to Twitter expressing his grief at the news.
“Deeply shocked at the passing of my friend and mentor, Franz Marx. Different generations will remember different contributions from him. Among other things, he brought soapies to Africa,” he wrote.
Just In: Award-winning writer, director and Egoli creator Franz Marx dies
In other news, it was reported that South African Celebrities who died from Covid-19 in 2021. South African entertainment industry has lost some creative, versatile and talented celebrities this year due to covid-19.
These people played a huge impact on the entertainment industry and they will be greatly missed. may their souls continue to rest in peace?
Steve Kekana
Steve Kekana was a South African singer and songwriter. He began his career in the 1990s. The Legendary died at the age of 62 after testing positive for Covid-19.
The artist lost his sight at five years and attended school for the blind in Pietersburg, where he natured his love for singing. The award-winning musician recorded more than 40 albums during his career.
Shona Ferguson
Shona Ferguson was an executive producer and co-founder of Ferguson films alongside his wife Connie Ferguson. However, Shona died at the age of 47. Shona died at Milpark hospital due to Covid-19 related complications. The actor is well known for appearing in Rockville, The Queen and The wild. In 2020 Shona made his Netflix debut, partnering with the streaming voice on the sixth series Kings of Joburg.