WATCH: Veteran actor Patrick Shai’s funeral service

Family and friends of late veteran actor Patrick Shai gathered at the Soweto Theatre to bid him farewell.

Shai took his own life last Saturday, aged 66.

Police confirmed to a local publication and said the late actor took his own life and his body was discovered by his wife in the garage of his Dobsonville home.

The veteran actor’s career spanned over decades and he was part of many productions on South African’s television. Shai featured in shows such as Generations, 7deLaan, Skeem Saam, Uzalo and The River. He also had an extensive feature film resumé which included Cry, the Beloved Country and Critical Assignment.

The actor has been praised by fellow colleagues as man who was very passionate about his craft. Fellow colleague Nambitha Mpumlwana spoke fondly of the late veteran at his memorial held on Thursday at The Market Theatre.

She said Patrick became her hero and her brother.

“I played Patrick’s wife quite a few times and I played his friend in real life, he played my hero. He held up my pedestal, he allowed me to stand behind him when we had tough negations in productions. He was not afraid to be the target so that we can rise. He allowed us to stand tall on his shoulders… he was my brother.”

Shai was also an activist against gender based violence.

#RIPPatrickShai: South Africans pour in touching condolences after actor Patrick Shai’s passing

Tributes have been pouring in on social media following the death of South African legendary actor and activist, Patrick Shai.

Shai passed away in the early hours of Saturday after he allegedly committed suicide in the garage at his house in Dobsonville, Soweto.

The GBV activist’s sudden death has left many in the entertainment community shocked, especially as it came a few days after he apologized to Hip-Hop star Cassper Nyovest over his controversial attacks to Mufasa, where he threatened to beat him.

“I should have as an adult. My apologies, I humbly, from the bottom of my heart, apologize for having used such strong language towards your mom. Even though the challenge would’ve been an ideal thing but now it has been soured by what I said,” he said.

News of his suicide, which will send a shock wave through the continent, was revealed by a family friend, and the family later confirmed his passing.

South Africans took to social media to share heartfelt condolences following his death:

RIP Patrick shai we should have listened when you cried for help. #RIPPatrickShai pic.twitter.com/FL0s165Ko7

— Best selling Author (@MeshackBevhula) January 22, 2022

RIP Patrick Shai ? pic.twitter.com/Mxa1CI8Z4P

— Rumani® (@RealMrumaDrive) January 22, 2022

Depression is not a joke, it's a real illness that doesn't discriminate. No amount of money or fame can fix it. Anxiety and panic attacks too are not signs of weakness but signs of trying to remain strong for too long.

RIP Patrick Shai ?

— Mr Smeg (@MichaelBucwa) January 22, 2022

The man was the MC at my wedding as we were neighbours. We were like family in Mmesi Park. So gutted by your passing Bra Patrick Shai ? #RIPBraPat pic.twitter.com/fUqhJldR5b

— ?Original Maqhawe? (@MaqPaulM) 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

He is best known for his roles on the television series Soul City, Zone 14 and TV soap Generations The Legacy.

Nkosheng, as he was famously known in the retro drama, Bophelo Ke Semphekgo is survived by his two children.

Actor Patrick Shai’s death: Family speaks out

South African veteran actor Patrick Shai has died.

His family confirmed the news, saying Shai passed away on Saturday morning but details around his death are yet to be revealed.

The award-winning actor appeared on numerous stage plays, feature films, and television productions like 7de Laan and most recently The River.

The actor recently penned an apology to Cassper Nyovest for using vulgar language that involved the rapper’s mother following backlash from social media and gender-based violence (GBV) organizations.

This as a video of Shai challenging Nyovest circulated on social media in which he challenged the musician to a boxing match.

In his apology, the actor said the intention was to challenge him to a public engagement that would lead to an exhibition fight in the hopes of bringing issues of GBV to a higher platform.

The rapper is known to initiate boxing matches with prize money as high as R100,000.

Shai is survived by his wife and two children.