Busi Lurayi, the star of Netflix’s How to Ruin Christmas, died on July 10 at the age of 35. Phil Mphela, a South African TV broadcaster, and commentator seem to have been the first to tweet the news of her death. The South African news source subsequently stated that Lurayi died at her Johannesburg home. Her talent agency, Eye Media Artists, issued a statement from her family in response to the claims.
The agency said in an Instagram post:
“We regret to inform you of the death of our dear Busisiwe Lurayi. Busisiwe died unexpectedly and was confirmed dead at her home on Sunday, July 10, 2022, by medical professionals. The cause of her death is still unclear as we await the autopsy report.”
The agency also claimed that they will provide further information on her death as soon as it became available.
All About Busi Lurayi
Busisiwe “Busi” Lurayi was most recognized for her main role in the Netflix comedy series How to Ruin Christmas, which aired for two seasons. Tumi Sello, one of the show’s main characters, is played by her. The actress also portrayed Thandi Nguni in the 2007 ITV series Wild at Heart. Busi Lurayi had some stage experience previous to her entrance into TV series acting, having a few theater works under her credit. However, according to her IMDb biography, the late actress was credited with roughly eight productions, most of which were TV series appearances.
Lurayi has received several recognitions and prizes for her performance over her 16-year on-screen playing career. For her role as Phumzile in City Ses’la, she received the South African Film and Television Awards’ Golden Horn in the category of Best Supporting Actress – TV Comedy in 2005. Later that year, in 2011, the late actor earned another Golden Horn for the same performance. Last year, she received the SAFTA Golden Horn for Best Actress – TV Comedy for her portrayal as Tumi Sello in How to Ruin Christmas.
Following news of Busi Lurayi’s unexpected passing, condolences poured in.
Due to her partnership with Netflix for the program, the South African division of the streaming giant also expressed their condolences on Twitter after Busi Lurayi’s death. They noted in the tweet:
RIP to the gifted Busi Lurayi, your passion, determination and contribution will be forever remembered. 🕯 #RIPBusiLurayi pic.twitter.com/INA3ACRZVr
— Actor Spaces (@actorspaces) July 11, 2022
I cannot believe that, at age 35 Busi Lurayi is gone 💔💔💔
May her soul rest in peace 🕊🕊🕊 pic.twitter.com/zPCXeOvp0E
— Mrs Noma 🔆 (@MrsNoma) July 11, 2022
“The South African entertainment business has lost a tremendous light. We are heartbroken to learn of the death of award-winning theater and movie performer Busi Lurayi.”
At the same time, many admirers flocked to Twitter to pay their respects to the late actress. Several others have expressed how her death was a loss to the South African entertainment industry. Busi is survived by her baby daughter, Ayana, with whom she shared numerous Instagram photos. Local media have suggested that the late actress had a strained connection with Ayana’s father.
