16/01/2021
We are devastated to inform you of the sad news that our beloved Sam Phillip has left us.
Sam passed away during the hours of last night, 15th January 2021.
A revered actor, director, producer, writer, and music composer the list is long of accreditations. More than that he was a father, grandfather, and loving friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Sam’s acting career was vast and full. Gracing our screens for decades long. He started acting at high school in Cape Town and never looked back. The pull of the big city brought Sam to Johannesburg, with theatre playing a big role in the beginning of his early twenties. He became part of the Non- racial Peoples Space Theatre within which he played in the first multi-racial production of Lysistrata. Sam was one of the first faces to appear on SABC TV 2 in 1980. Featuring in numerous programs including religious ones such as Monna wa Cyrene and Ibali lika Yona.
A great number of skills shaped Sam into the award-winning actor and writer he was, but without a doubt the numerous languages he spoke was top of the list. Enabling him to appear in a great many drama TV series, films, telenovelas and even comedies. There was not a genre that escaped him. From Johannesburg to Los Angeles, acting, teaching writing, and appearing on stage, he loved what he did, which was always evident when watching him perform. Even appearing as a support in Ace Ventura: When nature calls in 1995.
One of Sam’s greatest achievements includes being nominated for an Oscar, playing the lead in Senzeni na?, which was nominated for Best Short Story by the American Film Institution (AFI) in 1990.
In Sam’s later life he wrote a book “The business of business of showbusiness” which took on the form of an actor’s handbook. And more recently was honoured with a Doctorate degree in philosophy from University of Zululand.
We will remember him fondly for his smile and miss his visits to the office over a cup of tea and a story of the good old times. For us he will take place on our mantle as one of the greatest actors and will always be part of The Gaenor Artist management team.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his children Choppa, Mpho, Mpumi, Late Nomzamo, Mthunzi and Ntsoaki and family.
Rest in peace Sam.
Lynne Karen Higgins Kelly Wolmarans Gaenor Becker