We heard of the terrible loss of Patrick Shai. Patrick was one of South Africa’s veteran actors who inspired the young ones with his powerful acting. His life sadly ended with a suicide leaving many in dismay. Patrick’s death is a reminder that everyone is battling their demons; kindness is imperative.
Patrick’s birth and youth
He was born on the 9th of December in 1956 in Dobsonville, Soweto. Patric grew up with his family under the apartheid regime and developed an interest in the arts. Sadly, the time required a young man to feed his family. Therefore, he only started acting in 1986 when he was 30 years old.
Introduction to the acting industry
In 1986, he played the role of Lucky in the movie A Place of Weeping. Patrick played his character so well that it opened the doors for him to act on Red Scorpion, Blind Justice and Diamond In The Rough in 1988. Unfortunately, his acting career began under the apartheid regime, meaning remuneration wasn’t fair for black men. Due to his passion for storytelling, he persevered and got another role in 1999; he played multiple movie roles.
Introduction to the small screen
Television was the primary mode of watching films and other programmes. Due to financial constraints, many people could not afford to watch movies as they had to visit the cinema or have video players. The majority of Mzansi got introduced to him in 1994 when he played Ray Ghanya on MMG Engineers.
Famous shows
His most notable roles were on Nkosheng, Generations, Soul City, Zone 14, Heartlines, Zero Tolerance, Hola Mpinji, 7 de Laan and Moferefere Lenyalong.
Week before death
Patrick’s was acting on The River, and everything seemed fine. He suddenly challenged rapper Cassper Nyovest to a boxing match and later apologized for the derogatory words during the request.
Patrick Shai’s death was very sudden. Whatever led him to his suicide deprived a wife of a husband, children of a father, grandchildren of a grandfather and a national of talent. Typically, younger people commit suicide, and the elderly spend their days grateful for life and reflecting.
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