RIP: Tributes pour in for veteran SA actor Patrick Shai

South African actor Patrick Shai passed away on Saturday, 22 January.

Shai graced theatres and screens in numerous plays, feature films and TV productions including Cry, the Beloved Country, Soul City, Generations, 7de Laan, Yizo Yizo and most recently The River.

News24 notes that Shai was nominated for a 2014 Safta in the category Best Supporting Actor for his role in Skeem Saam, and again in 2018 for his portrayal of Jacob Moloi in 7de Laan.

“We sincerely ask you to give the family time to process this painful loss. More details will be shared in due course,” his family said in the statement.

Shai is survived by his wife and two children.

While the cause of death was not revealed by the family after the actor's passing, new reports state that Shai allegedly committed suicide in the garage of his home in Soweto.

Shai had made headlines recently for using inappropriate language in a video posted on social media, when he challenged rapper Cassper Nyovest to a boxing match. The actor then shared an apology to Nyovest for using vulgar language that involved the rapper's mother following backlash from social media and gender-based violence organisations.

Since Shai's passing, tributes from fans and colleagues of the acclaimed actor have been shared on social media. Some of the posts and conversations have also highlighted the negative impact that toxic social media culture can have on mental health.

Rest in Perfect Peace Ntate Patrick Shai �� ��������������������������#RIPPatrickShai #PatrickShai pic.twitter.com/bDavYRH9Zd

— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) January 22, 2022

I was still enjoying Patrick Shai's character as Phasha on The River �� pic.twitter.com/0ixZwNy6X6

— JabulaniMacdonald⚡ (@Jabu_Macdonald) January 22, 2022

#PatrickShai in #yizoyizo @Official_SABC1 rest in peace Ntate Shai pic.twitter.com/ybv2PzdH4v

— SABC Information Library (@sabcinfolib) January 22, 2022

The South African television industry has lost one of the finest thespians to ever grace our screens.

As Mzansi magic we would like to send our deepest condolences to the family of Patrick Shai who had recently joined The River. #RIPPatrickShai pic.twitter.com/lta6ZUUVt8

— Mzansi Magic (@Mzansimagic) January 22, 2022

Never judge those who are simply defeated by the long, hard struggle to stay alive.

When one dies after a long illness, people say "Ulwile shame"

Yet with suicide, they think that no fight was involved, that they simply gave up.

NOT TRUE.

I hope Patrick Shai is at peace now�� pic.twitter.com/9l2B0yyGTp

— Mzilikazi (@SneMzilikazi) January 22, 2022

The passing of Patrick Shai reminds us all that we must be sweet and kind to people around us. That's the only positive thing that surrounds, let's be good!#RIPPatrickShai ������️ pic.twitter.com/zyYqITYuYw

— God Loves You No Matter What �� ��️‍�� (@Ntunjambill1224) January 22, 2022

Tributes continue to pour in for veteran actor Patrick Shai. Former Market Theatre Foundation chairperson Kwanele Gumbi says Shai's ability to move from theatre to television is what made him be regarded as a well-rounded actor. #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/IzQFV3tiAk

— eNCA (@eNCA) January 23, 2022

If we don't use this Patrick Shai story to learn to be more kind to one another, we will never learn. People are going through heavy stuff in their private life, your mean words on twitter can be the feather that finaly breaks the camel's back. RIP the Legend�� #RIPPatrickShai pic.twitter.com/jq48eHSf3e

— Masego Sefolosha (@MasegoBT) January 22, 2022

A video that was just made to be funny was turned to be something major. I don't think he meant to make any harm....older generation used to swear by saying "son of a...." not literally saying you are one. Social media can make more harm to a person. RIP Patrick Shai ������ pic.twitter.com/xdPi0o80Ve

— Vuyiswa♈������ (@VuyiswaNana) January 22, 2022