This rather sad news hit social media on Sunday, and messages of condolences have since been pouring into his family and friends.
South African actress, film-maker, producer, Connie Ferguson, who worked with him in several productions, took to her Instagram page to share the news of his passing and paid tribute to him.
“Papa Sam!😭 We are losing legends!💔 This is too much! What does one even say now!🥲 Thank you, papa Sam for who you were to us! What you will continue to represent! Thank you for your talent, your humility, your sense of humour, your professionalism, and for just being a father to all of us. This is a sad sad loss.💔 Rest In Power Papa.🙏🏾 You continue to live on through your work and for that we are eternally grateful.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾.”
There are no official statements on his passing from his family, but, fans, loved ones and well-wishers have been sending their condolences to Pa Sam Phillips
The agent of veteran actor, Sam Phillips, says the arts industry has lost an icon.
Gaenor Artiste Management Agent, Lynne Higgins, says Phillips played a pivotal role in shaping the acting industry.
Higgins says he also acted in international plays like Athol Fugard’s Master Herold and The Boys in New Orleans.
He was part of our family. He was our grandfather in our family. He knew so many people from theatre to TV, to writing, to scriptwriting, to film.
“He was an amazing man. We will miss him. We loved him. He was an icon in our industry and there are no words to cover how devastated we at Gaenor’s are. He was part of our family. He was our grandfather in our family. He knew so many people from theatre to TV, to writing, to scriptwriting, to film. So much that he has done in the industry and so many he has met in his place of work
Sam was a prolific actor whose career spanned several decades. Phillips graced South African TV screens for decades. He was an actor, writer, producer, and music composer and featured in well-known productions including Phamokate, Backstage and Soul City.
His latest project was on The Ferguson’s series Kings of Jo’burg. The 6-part series Kings of Jo’burg was recently picked up by Netflix, and it premiered on December 4th.
Sam starred as Shona Ferguson’s father, who plays a lead role in the series. The 72-year-old is also an Oscar nominee for the lead role he portrayed in Senzeni na?
Sam Philips’ death follows the passing of Lindiwe Dlovu who passed on January 11th. Her family confirmed her passing through a statement.
“It is with heavy hearts and unimaginable sadness that we bring you the news of Lindiwe Thembeka Ndlovu passing in her home this morning 11th January.”
The family, however, did not reveal the circumstances surrounding her cause of death but they have described her as an unsung incredible actress who lived a huge space in the creative world of acting.