South African show runner, screenwriter, film producer, director and script editor Thandi Brewer is dead.
Thandi Brewer often called the “Shonda Rhimes of South Africa” has died after losing her third battle against cancer.
The highly respected writer and producer had a storied career in South Africa’s TV and film industry for close to 60 years.
She also launched many careers in script-writing, directing and acting. She was also the founder and first chairperson of the influential and growing Writer’s Guild of South Africa (WGSA).
“Thandi touched so many lives during her time with us, not only as an extremely talented writer, producer, director, teacher and mentor, but also as a friend. Her love embraced all who met her, and she will be greatly missed by many, many people.”
“While we desperately miss her, we will also celebrate her life and legacy by continuing her work and her vision. Thandi leaves behind her daughter Cody and an extended family of wordsmiths throughout the world.”
Beyond TV and film, she was also a writer and director of numerous stage productions over many years.
In 2018 on Facebook Thandi wrote: “I am in the midst of the third round with cancer.”
“The breast cancer metamorphosed into bone cancer attacking the back. Remember the back pain I used to moan about? That wasn’t just ‘writers back’. It was cancer, which obviously loves me and wants to live with me on a permanent basis. I’ve no idea how those actresses manage to look palely interesting when playing someone with cancer because I look like hell.”
