South Africa mourns the loss of acting legend Jonathan Pienaar
Jonathan Pienaar died on Monday morning in his sleep in Johannesburg after apparently suffering a type of heart failure.
Zuko Komisa
The South African entertainment industry is in mourning following the death of beloved actor Jonathan Pienaar, who has passed away at the age of 63.
The news of his passing, confirmed on Monday, 10th November 2025, has triggered an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues across the nation.
Pienaar enjoyed a career spanning more than three decades, establishing himself as a household name through his memorable roles in some of the country’s most iconic productions.
The versatile actor was celebrated for his unforgettable turns in seminal series such as Yizo Yizo and Generations.
More recently, he captured audiences as Leon in the popular Afrikaans soap opera Binnelanders, where he starred alongside the late Bradley Olivier.
His impressive résumé also included standout performances in acclaimed local dramas like The Lab, Hopeville, and The Queen.
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