South African actor and presenter Crystal-Donna Roberts, who starred in films such as The Endless River and Krotoa, has died at the age of 40.

Her husband, Schalk Cornelessen, announced her death on Thursday.

“RIP my beautiful, beautiful loving, wife,” Cornelessen wrote on Facebook. The couple married in 2015.

The actor’s agent, Karen Tallie, who spoke to Cornelessen, also confirmed Roberts’ death to News24.

The actor died at around 01:00 on Thursday morning at her home in Cape Town, surrounded by her family. According to Tallie, Roberts had lost her battle with stage four breast cancer.

The agent asked that the privacy of Roberts’ family be respected at this time.

Roberts, born on 13 October 1984, grew up in Bonteheuwel, Kensington, and Factreton in Cape Town and attended high school in Bloemfontein.

She graduated with a BA degree in drama and theatre from the University of the Free State.

As a theatre actor, she has been in productions like Rondomskrik, Kanna hy kô hystoe and Bidsprinkaan.

She further featured in Arendsvlei, Swartwater, and 7de Laan, where she played Janine. She won a SAFTA for Best Actress in 2018 for her role in Krotoa. She also presented on the show Pasella.

In March 2019, the actor was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Crystal Donna Roberts (Multichoice)

“3 biopsies. 1 double mastectomy. 4 rounds of chemo. 25 rounds of radiation. TREATMENT DONE!!!” Roberts wrote on Facebook in November 2019.

“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 wrote on Facebook in 2020.

Roberts opened up about her cancer journey in an interview with Stylvol.

“To lose my hair was more traumatic than my breasts. My breasts were ‘sick’, and I understand they had to go, but there was nothing wrong with my hair,” she said.

Actor Jarrid Geduld, who also starred in Arendsvlei, paid tribute to Roberts:

“There’s so much everybody that knew Crystal can tell you about her, What a beautiful friend and colleague. A heart of gold, a master performer, a true custodian of the coloured culture.”

In a statement uploaded onto Instagram, kykNET said Roberts was a “remarkable actress”.

“We are thinking of her husband, family and everyone who loved Crystal at this time. Her talent and passion left an indelible mark on our hearts,” kykNET continued.

Arendsveli actor Sherman Pharo wrote, “Words escape me…. it was an honour my friend. Rest softly.”

Film producer Roberta Durrant of Penguin Films said, “We at Penguin Films are devastated by the passing of Crystal-Donna Roberts – an absolute professional, modest despite her unique and exceptional talent”.

“Her portrayal of Krotoa, for which she garnered a Safta for Best Actress in a Feature Film, was monumental and the reason the film gained so much international recognition.”

“Her portrayal of Janice in Arendsvlei, for which she received two Safta nominations, was loved by all – feisty, sexy, yet deeply emotional.”

“Having worked closely with her over several years, I witnessed her struggle with cancer. Throughout her treatment, she was determined to work – her innate strength and commitment were extraordinary and admirable. She will be missed by her colleagues and by all the South African viewers who loved her. Her legacy will live on through her body of work. Rest in peace, dear Crystal. Deep, heartfelt condolences to her family and those closest to her.”