Charlbi Dean Death: Paying Homage To 32-Year-Old Star In Film And Television

Charlbi Dean, a South African actor and model who appeared in the critically acclaimed film Triangle of Sadness and the television series Black Lightning, has reportedly passed away at the age of 32. In Triangle of Sadness, which took home the top prize, the Palme d'Or, at this year's Cannes Film Festival, Dean had a breakthrough performance alongside Woody Harrelson. She played Syonide in the DC Comics adaptation of Black Lightning. Representatives for Dean described her hospital death from an unforeseen illness as "devastating."

Dean portrayed Yaya, one half of a model couple who were invited on a cruise that goes wrong, in Triangle of Sadness, written and directed by Ruben Ostlund. Noting in The Guardian, Peter Bradshaw expressed: "Charlbi Dean was a true star-in-the-making. Her loss is a huge one." Fellow film critic Robert Daniels tweeted that the information was "very tragic". He noted: "Charlbi Dean was on the verge of a breakthrough with Triangle of Sadness. I was so looking forward to where her career was going to go next."

Charlbi Dean Death

Another critic, Guy Lodge, dubbed it "a massive shock", counting: "She's so witty and deadpan and clockwork-precise in Triangle of Sadness, and I was so excited to see a new South African talent on the international scene." A "genuine talent," according to playwright Jeremy O. Harris, the late actress was. He wrote on social media about how heartbreaking it was. After witnessing Charlbi Dean in Triangle of Sadness, he thought she was such an intriguing performer.

The movie is a stinging social satire in which models and the super-wealthy have their status challenged by unforeseen circumstances. It is scheduled for release in October and is anticipated to be a contender for the Oscars in 2023. Talking about the film before it topped at Cannes in May, Dean revealed to the Associated Press: "For me, I'm like, I've already won. I'm already at Cannes with the movie. That's so unbelievable. Anything is just a cherry on top at this point for me."

Suggested Reading: Charlbi Dean, Model And Triangle Of Sadness Actor, Passes Away Aged 32

Born and bred in Cape Town, Dean first gained notoriety as a child model, appearing on the covers of South African GQ and Elle issues before making her acting debut in the 2010 movie Spud, which also starred Troye Sivan and John Cleese and was based on a well-known South African book. She later had appearances in movies including Don't Sleep and Porthole, as well as Death Race 3: Inferno and Blood in the Water.