“I wish I had just one more week. I prayed so hard the last few days and asked, ‘Lord, I don’t want to be selfish, I’m just asking for one more week.’ One week of singing together at the top of our lungs, one week of discussions about films, politics and music, one week of laughing at our own silly jokes. One week. That’s all. But He had other plans for you.”
That’s how the touching tribute that Germandt Geldenhuys, one of the main players, says Domesticsshared after the death of Bradley Olivier.
Bradley, who was known for his role as Danny Jantjies in Domestics, died on Thursday in the Life Flora hospital in Roodepoort. His family confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that the 36-year-old actor was being kept alive by machines, and that there were no prospects for improvement. Details about Bradley’s condition have not yet been released.
Tribute messages have since poured in for the beloved actor.
“Bradley was one of those people who walked into a room and immediately brightened up the room. He was always positive, always had a smile on his face and always took time out for a story or a joke,” Je-ani Swiegelaar told RNews on Friday.
“He was an incredible talent – that man’s talents knew no bounds. It’s still very unreal that he’s gone.”
Bradley will still be in for the next three months Domestics to be seen.
“For three months we will not realize the reality, but his legacy will live on in the work he did.”
Maude Sandham, who played opposite Bradley for years, also shared a tribute message with RNews.
“Bradley, you have been a loyal friend. You invested in other people’s talents, dreams and plans and always followed through.”
“You had so much time and love for everyone, and yet you didn’t tolerate nonsense. I will miss your singing, naughty jokes, and your frowning face. I am so proud of your successes. Your talents and creativity are your legacy. For you, I’m going to grab life with both hands, even if it’s so much more empty without your laugh and your hugs.”
Dozens of actors, colleagues and friends, including Kate Roothman, Clinton Brink, Mila Guy, Odelle de Wet, Cindy Swanepoel, Gerald Steyn and Craig Urbani paid tribute to Bradley on social media.
“Wow Bradster… you’re going to be terribly missed. You were a big supporter of Annelize’s wardrobealways thrown a compliment,” says Cindy’s message.
“I was so excited for your new adventures. It feels unreal to talk to you in the past. I can still hear your laugh out loud. Rest easy.”
Olivier made his TV debut in the soap opera in 2007 Villa Rosa made. He has since been involved in a variety of productions, including films, series, telenovelas, soap operas, stage plays and on the radio.
“Bradley was an extraordinary presence in our lives, known for his talent, achievements and dedication to his art. He touched the hearts of many people right across the country, and left an indelible mark on the industry and community,” Solomon Cupido, writing partner and family spokesperson for Bradley said in a statement earlier this week.
RNews reported earlier that Bradley had a close bond with his little daughter, Kiara.
His wishes for his Kiara, or “Angel face” or Kiki, as he sometimes called her, are heaps of love and freedom for the future.
“I hope one day she can do what she loves, whatever that is. She must approach life on her own terms and rules. One of the life lessons I teach her is that one is not always the winner. Sometimes you have to clap for other people and sometimes it’s your turn for people to clap for you.”
