Actor Darlington Michaels – who played the infamous soapie character Papa G on Isidingo – was one of many celebrities who died without access to medical aid.
The 54-year-old screen star was admitted to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital after he reportedly suffered a stroke.
This week, the plight of radio personality Tom London, who also sought medical care at a public hospital, Johannesburg’s Helen Joseph, went viral.
DARLINGTON MICHAELS: ‘PAPA G’ HAD NO MEDICAL AID’
Speaking to The Citizen, Jack Devnarain, who starred as Rajesh Kumar alongside Darlington Michaels in Isidingo, claimed the late actor’s health had been in decline for several years.
He also revealed that the man who played the soapie glamorous gangster “Papa G” was one of many thespians without medical aid.
He said: “The last time I connected with Darlington was on a phone call during Covid. I knew that he was quite sickly.
“I knew that his health had deteriorated. He didn’t have a lot of support around him aside from close friends and family. He didn’t have medical aid; it was exceptionally difficult for him to get around and to continue working.
‘Isidingo’ actor Darlington Michaels as Papa G
‘Isidingo’ actor Darlington Michaels as Papa G. He reportedly died without medica aid. Image via X @centralnewsza
“He was very reliant on support, especially during Covid, and I was worried about him.
Jack added that he regretted not keeping in contact with his former colleague.
“He would always say he’s getting along and doing fine. So he was exceptionally brave and never gave a true picture of the state of his health.”
“He was very much a senior person to me, he was a veteran and I worried about him knowing his health.”
OTHER CELEBS FORCED TO USE PUBLIC HOSPITALS
Sadly, Darlington Michaels is one of many celebrated artists in South Africa who likely stumbled on hard times, which forced them to not prioritise medical aid.
According to a report by Zimoja, rapper Da LES – real name Leslie Mampe – was forced to ask his friends for financial assistance after suffering a stroke. The publication added that the hitmaker did not have medical aid.
da LES, medical aid
Rapper Da LES is allegedly one of many celebs who suffered a health emergency without medical aid. Former Springbok Derick Hougaard is another.
Images via X: @2freshles/ @derickhougaard
Last year, former Springbok Derick Hougaard made headlines after he spent a lengthy stay in a Pretoria public hospital. According to reports, this was due to a respiratory illness.
In 2021, actress Shaleen Surtie Richards died from complications of diabetes and heart disease.
According to fellow actor and friend Lizz Meiring, Shaleen was forced to cancel her medical aid during the pandemic due to financial constraints.
Also, in 2021, Dr Sindi van Zyl died from complications of contracting Covid-19. She was placed on a ventilator as she was unable to breathe on her own.
According to her husband Marinus, the van Syl family needed R2 million to settle medical bills as Sindi was not on medical aid.
Last year, former Egoli and 7de Laan actor David Rees appealed for donations from the public after a heart attack landed him in hospital.
According to his spokesperson, Corlia Strauss, the actor did not have medical aid. A Backabuddy initiative was launched to help him pay for his medical bills, which surpassed half a million.