Jamie Bartlett dead aged 55 – Award-winning actor who starred alongside Idris Elba in Mandela dies

AWARD-winning actor Jamie Bartlett has died at the age of 55.

The actor was best known for playing the role of David Genaro in Rhythm City and Mike O'Reilly in Isidingo.

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He also played James Gregory in the film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, starring alongside Idris Elba, 49.

The film was based on the former South African president's book and Bartlett's character was Mandela's censor officer and prison guard for many years of his captivity.

Fans and colleagues called the award-winning actor a legend, a "true artistic hero" and told how his "energy filled the room".

Bartlett, whose cause of death is unknown, launched a movie career with the 1987 action sequel film American Ninja 2 and later the 1993 American Ninja 5.

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And he had a supporting role in Angelina Jolie's romance drama Beyond Borders in 2003.

He was also a judge on reality show South Africa's Got Talent in 2016 and 2017 and had several theatre roles.

Tributes have since poured in for the star, who was born in Maidenhead, Berkshire, to a South African mum and British dad.

One fan wrote: "Rest In Peace, King. You will always be my favourite actor."

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Another said: "He was truly a legend."

Actor Thomas Gumede, who worked with Bartlett on the Mandela film, said: "RIP to the legend Jamie Bartlett!

"A true artistic hero. Gone too soon, but thank you for giving us so much."

Casting director and actress Nolwazi Shange-Ngubeni added: "The news of Jamie Bartlett’s death is weird to me.

"This is someone who’s spirit didn’t feel like it existed in the same realm as death.

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"His energy filled the room. It was palpable. To talk to him in the past tense is strange. Rest with the angels Jay. Love Nolz."

Bartlett's death was confirmed to South Africa's eNCA by a close family member, the publication reports.

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