Crystal-Donna Roberts
South African actress (1984–2025)
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Crystal-Donna Roberts (13 October 1984 – 6 March 2025) was a South African actress, presenter and writer. Her films included The Endless River (2015) and Krotoa (2017).[2]
Born13 October 1984
Cape Town, South Africa
Died6 March 2025 (aged 40)
Cape Town, South Africa
AlmamaterUniversity of the Free State
Occupations
- Actress
- author
Crystal-Donna Roberts | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 13 October 1984 Cape Town, South Africa |
| Died | 6 March 2025 (aged 40) Cape Town, South Africa |
| Alma mater | University of the Free State |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2009–2025 |
| Spouse |
Schalk Cornelessen (m. 2015) |
Life and career
Roberts spent her early childhood in Cape Town, living in Bonteheuwel, Kensington, and Factreton. She completed her secondary education in Bloemfontein. She went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Theatre from the University of the Free State in 2005. A year later, she moved back to Cape Town where she briefly worked as a high-school drama teacher before pursuing acting as a career.[3][4][5]
Roberts died from breast cancer in Cape Town, on 6 March 2025, at the age of 40.[6]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | The Incredible Adventures of Hanna Hoekom | Sharon | |
| 2011 | The Italian Consul | Mary | |
| 2011 | Skeem | Pearl | |
| 2012 | Chronicle | Samantha | |
| 2015 | The Endless River | Tiny Solomons | [7][8] |
| 2016 | Tussen as en hoop | Olivia | |
| 2017 | Krotoa | Krotoa | [9] |
| 2017 | The Number | Bridget | |
| 2018 | Our Albertinia | Inge Abrahams | Short film |
| 2018 | Benjamin | Chantelle September | Short film |
| 2019 | Liewe Lisa | Lara | |
| 2019 | Griekwastad | Tracey | |
| 2024 | What If | Valerie van Wyk | Short film |
| 2024 | Mr Isaacs | Dr Jolene Fortuin | Short film |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Montana | Bijou | Season 1 |
| 2010–2014 | Vallei van Sluiers | Charmaine Willemse | Main role |
| 2012 | Vloeksteen | Ina Uys | Season 1 |
| 2013 | Die Boland Moorde | Elmarie | Season 1 |
| 2016 | Die Byl | Evelyn | Season 1 |
| 2008 | Mense Mense | Liesel Klein | Main role |
| 2018 | Fine Print (Afrikaans: Fynskrif) | Thandi | Main role (season 1) |
| 2018–2024 | Arendsvlei | Janice Cupido | Main role |
| 2019 | Die Spreeus | Jenny | Episode: "Shaun Vink" |
| 2020 | Projek Dina | Bonita | |
| 2020 | Kompleks | Lucy | 1 episode |
| 2021 | Swartwater | Ava Ebrahim | Season 3 |
| 2021 | Asseblief & Dankie | Cassi | Television film |
| 2022 | Grootste Treffers | Quickstix | Television film |
| 2022–2023 | Fraksie | Chantel | 17 episodes |
Stage
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Romeo & Juliet: Unplugged | Juliet | Artscape Theatre Centre, Cape Town[10] |
| 2013 | Bidsprinkaan | Katryn | Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees, Oudtshoorn[11] |
| 2014 | Rondomskrik | Various | Baxter Theatre Centre, Cape Town[12] |
| 2015 | Siener in die Suburbs | Tiemie | Aardklop, Potchefstroom |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Venice International Film Festival | Best Actress | The Endless River | Nominated | [13][14] |
| 2018 | South African Film and Television Awards | Best Actress – Film | Krotoa | Won | [15][16] |
| 2020 | Best Actress – Telenovela | Arendsvlei | Nominated | [17] | |
| 2021 | Nominated | [18] | |||