Mam' Mary Bows Out

Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent

- Duenna Mambana

She was a true legend. With a career spanning over six decades and so many film credits that it would take days to detail, she’s certainly left a mark. She was funny, always professional and humble.

Veteran actress Mary Twala left an enormous void when she died aged 80 on Saturday 4 July.

The Sarafina! star passed away at a hospital after a long illness, her son, Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung (47), announced.

He said his tree had fallen.

“I’m shattered to the core, but I’d be very selfish if I don’t release her. My mom lived to the fullest, achieved beyond her dreams. It hurts like hell I won’t lie,” Somizi wrote.

She definitely lived every minute of her life, her friend and fellow actress Lillian Dube (74) tells DRUM.

Mary’s secret to a successful career was the infectious sense of humour she seemed to carry with her everywhere she went.

“Mary was a staunch professional and took her work very seriously. She never behaved like the legend she was – she was always on time and knew all her lines, which she used to [sometimes] fluff and I used to laugh at her for.

“She also respected the younger talent that came after her. She was only willing to give advice if it was wanted, even though she knew better,” Lillian says.

Mary sometimes expressed concern about how the younger actors behaved on sets, even though she didn’t tell them outright.

“She’d often complain about how some of them want to slay even when their character dictates something else. It was upsetting for her to watch. She loved and lived the arts,” Lillian says.