Actor Greg Melvill-Smith died surrounded by family and friends
Times Live
By Kyle Zeeman
June 2, 2016
Greg Melvill-Smith has been remembered by his close friends and family as a "strong man who touched the lives of all that came into contact with him".
Speaking to TMG Entertainment on Wednesday, a family spokesperson revealed that Greg had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer back in September and had been struggling with the disease for several months before finally losing the battle on Tuesday evening.
"He died at home, surrounded by friends, family and those he loved the most," Shireen Hollier said.
Shireen added that the family has been left shaken by the actor's death but had been preparing themselves for some time.
"Even though they have been expecting it for some time it still comes as a massive shock," she said. "He was a giant of a man and was a strong man who touched the loves of all that came into contact with him."
Funeral and memorial service details are still be finalised for the actor, most famous for his roles in Binnelanders, Isidingo and 7de Laan, but the family has requested that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the Theatre Benevolent Fund.
Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for Greg.
"The Entertainment Industry mourns the untimely loss of one of our own: Greg Melvill-Smith, a true mensch and gentleman of the profession, left us in the late hours of 31 May 2016, succumbing to an illness borne with great dignity. Greg's legacy will continue to live on, the memory of a man who gave more to the performance industry than he ever took for himself," a statement by Greg's management team read on Tuesday.
MELVILL-SMITH, Greg
Born: 1961, Pretoria, South Africa
Died: 5/31/2016, Johannesburg, South Africa
Greg Melvill-Smith’s westerns – actor:
Guns of Honor (TV) – 1993 (Haze)
Hooded Angels - 2000 (Confederate General)