Melanie Cecelia du Bois, a talented South African actress, was born in Riverlea, Johannesburg. Her personal life has been marked by significant challenges, particularly her battle with bipolar disorder, which she has openly discussed, especially after the loss of her sister and her divorce.
Melanie du Bois
| Born |
Melanie Cecelia Du Bois
4 January 1970 Riverlea, South Africa
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|---|---|
| Alma mater |
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| Occupation(s) | Actress, motivational speaker |
| Years active | 2010–present |
The tragic events of January 2015 deeply affected her, as her 23-year-old nephew Michael died by suicide, followed shortly by his mother, Melanie’s sister Lucia Wilson, who also took her own life just days later.
Education
Du Bois pursued a diploma in Public Relations from the Technikon Witwatersrand and further honed her craft with a diploma in Drama from Trinity College London, followed by an Associates Teachers Diploma in Drama from the same institution.
Television Career
In 2009, Melanie du Bois joined the cast of the popular SABC2 Afrikaans soap opera 7de Laan, where she portrayed the character Felicity Daniels, a fashion designer. Her role in the series lasted for seven years, earning her significant recognition and acclaim. In 2017, she appeared in the SABC3 comedy-drama Soap on a Rope, playing the character Zee. The following year, she took on the sub-lead role of Ronel Foster in the kykNET & kie soap opera Arendsvlei. Additionally, she voiced the character Lal Uzun, played by Tugce Kocak, in the telenovela Doodsondes.
Accolades
Melanie’s performance in 7de Laan earned her nominations for the Kids Choice Award for Best Actress in 2013 and the Tempo Award for Best Actress, highlighting her talent and popularity among viewers.
Filmography
Film
- 1999: Sterk Skemer as Thandi Taylor-Mofokeng (TV movie)
Television
- 2009–2016: 7de Laan as Felicity Daniels
- 2013: Soul Buddyz as Avril
- 2017: Soap on a Rope as Ziyanda ‘Zee’ Butler
- 2017: East Side as Fahrida
- 2018: Spieeltjie as Mom
- 2018: Arendsvlei as Ronel Foster
- 2021: 4 Mure as Patricia
Conclusion
Melanie du Bois’s resilience in the face of personal adversity and her dedication to her craft have made her a prominent figure in South African television. Her ability to portray diverse characters with depth and authenticity continues to endear her to audiences and solidify her place in the entertainment industry.
