Latest news with #TheEstate
TimesLIVE
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Gone but not forgotten: film and TV roles portrayed by late actor Don Mlangeni-Nawa
Mzansi lost one of its greatest talents, Don Mlangeni-Nawa, on April 16. The veteran actor died aged 65 of prostate cancer. He is described as a legend who was dedicated to his craft. He starred in many hit productions including Sgudi 'Snaysi, The Throne, Isidingo and The Estate, among others. Here are memorable TV roles he played that we'll never forget:
News24
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
‘His humour never left him' – Don Mlangeni honoured for fighting through his illness at memorial
Naughty, disciplined and truly loving. This is how actors from all walks of life described the legendary Don Mlangeni-Nawa. Whether they had worked with him in his earlier productions like Sgudi' Snaysi and Hlala kwabafileyo or his later productions such as Isidingo, Uzalo, The River, The Estate, Savage Baeauty and many others, there was one consensus of the remarkable person he was, on and off set. As an actor, he measured his success by how many people he brought up with him as he rose and how many young actors he groomed. He was also celebrated for extending himself as a father to some of his colleagues as well. It was clear that the loss was unbearable for not only his family but also the arts fraternity. Having been one of the notable products of Gibson Kente, it was only fitting to bid farewell to him and celebrate his life at the Gibson Kente Theatre at the Soweto Theatre. Read more | Veteran Isidingo actor, Don Mlangeni dies at 65 'It's a full circle moment for him to be honoured on stage, where he dedicated most of his life,' said award-winning director, Krijay Govender who first met him on the set of Isidingo back in 1998. She also confidently asserted that Don would have given Denzel Washington a run for his money, had he been born and established in Hollywood, because of the quality of his work. Taking to the stage with a smile, Clementine Mosimane who played his wife on the Estate stressed how much Don poured into his craft even in his sick state. 'He had integrity, he embraced his talent with so much discipline and honour. I want to talk about when I started seeing Abuti Don not being well. We were on the set of The Estate back in 2021/22. I saw him losing weight, being sick but believe me, he kept the discipline of being a thespian. Every morning, he'd be the first, if not the second on set, on location.' Clementine adds that after he opened up about his illness to her, she started sending him motivational message every morning and would pray with him on the phone. Still commending his strength, she says Don never asked to go home even in his state but would rather soldier on and ask to nap to regain his strength in between takes on set. Read more | 'There was no sign of sickness' – Chicco Twala speaks at Winnie Khumalo's memorial 'He was a fighter, and the humour never left him. That's the Don I know. On The Estate, you look at him and you could never tell that he was sick but the minute they say 'cut!' he'd ask to go take a breather.' To continue his legacy of mentoring young actors, the Gauteng MEC of sports, arts, culture and education, Matome Chiloane delivered a eulogy and made an announcement that got everyone applauding. 'We are committing to establish a Don Mlangeni Mentorship Programme. This programme will identify and support emerging artistry in Gauteng and continue his remarkable, significant work.' On 16 April, Don took his last breath after battling with an undisclosed illness for years. By the time of his passing at the age of 65, he had already bagged two lifetime achievement awards. He leaves behind five children and his wife Reginah, who was thanked by every speaker at the memorial service for allowing him to pour into their cups and lending him to the world. The funeral service will be held on 26 April, at the Germiston Civic Centre. today for your VIP pass to South Africa's entertainment world.
News24
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
'There will never be another': Acting fraternity honours Don Mlangeni Nawa at memorial
Renowned South African actor Don Mlangeni Nawa was honoured at a memorial service on Thursday afternoon at the Soweto Theatre. Mlangeni Nawa's cause of death was not disclosed. However, several speakers at the memorial service alluded to his battle with ill health over several years. The indelible mark that revered stage and screen actor Don Mlangeni Nawa left on the South African entertainment industry will never be forgotten. As they spoke at the Soweto Theatre on Thursday afternoon, mourners and speakers at Mlangeni Nawa's memorial service concurred "The talent in this man was unexplainable," his The Estate co-star Clementine Mosimane said. "Abuti Don was so disciplined. He embraced his talent with so much discipline, with so much honour." Mlangeni Nawa died on Wednesday, 16 April. His cause of death was not disclosed, but speakers during the memorial service spoke about the 65-year-old's battle with deteriorating health for a number of years. "When I started seeing Abuti Don not being well, we were on the set of The Estate, round about 2021, 2022," Mosimane said. "I saw Abuti Don losing weight. I saw Abuti Don being sick, but believe you me, he kept the discipline of being a thespian. There was not a day when he came to set in that situation where he would say I want to go home. He would rather ask to take a nap, gather his strength and then wake up. That was the Abuti Don I know; that was the passion he had for his art." Wrapping up, Mosimane said she wished for her dearly departed on-screen husband and colleague to rest in peace, adding his children should "run with his legacy". "We learned from him. There will never be another Don Mlangeni Nawa. There never will be. We will miss his voice, we will miss him," she said. Fellow Isidingo actor and now director Krijay Govender also praised the act's talent, speaking about how much more Mlangeni Nawa's career would have blossomed if he had gone international. "His career would have surpassed any one of the big guys that you know. Denzel Washington could not even touch this man when the camera rolled," she said. "And I'm not saying this because I'm a friend of his, I'm speaking from the experience of being his director on set." Govender went on to speak highly of how Mlangeni Nawa portrayed his long-time character on Isidingo, Bra Zeb Matabane. "He was never a celebrity, he was always an actor - always an actor first and that's why it's so befitting that we're here and this memorial is here, back at the theatre," she said. "He's come full circle, bringing it back to the theatre." OBITUARY | Remembering Don Mlangeni Nawa, the TV icon beloved by millions of South Africans Addressing the actor's five children and three grandchildren, he advised them to "go forward and do whatever it is that you want to do". Other speakers at Mlangeni Nawa's memorial included his co-stars from various shows, namely Keke Mphuthi who spoke fondly about the father and daughter bond they developed both on and off-screen. Abomama actor Asavela Mngqithi battled tears as she spoke about their relationship, which also developed on the set of the show. She spoke heartily about how she and the actor were there for each other in difficult times. Veteran actor Magic Hlatshwayo was also in attendance and gave a heartfelt tribute to Mlangeni Nawa whom he acted with previously. At the height of his career, the actor whose career spanned several decades, starred in multiple stage and screen productions including The Throne, Shaka iLembe, Savage Beauty and many more. Mlangeni Nawa will be buried on Saturday, 26 April, after a funeral service at the Alberton Civic Theatre.
IOL News
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Acting legend Don Mlangeni Nawa's memorial and funeral details announced
The former 'Isidingo' actor who portrayed the character of Zeb Matabane will be remembered by his friends and family at the Soweto Theatre on Thursday April 24. The family o f legendary South African actor Don Mlangeni Nawa have announced the details for his memorial service and funeral. Mlangeni Nawa will be laid to rest on April 26 and the proceedings will be held at Alberton Civic Theatre. The 65-year-old actor died on April 16. His family confirmed the news in a statement. 'He was the heart of our family - a loving father, brother, and friend. To the world, he was a gifted and respected actor whose presence lit up every stage and screen he graced. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the stories he told, and the love he gave so freely,' read the statement. In 2018, the thespian was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Royalty Soapie Awards. He is known for his roles on productions such as "The Estate", 'The Throne', 'Legacy', "Sgudi Snaysi", "Uzalo", and "Abomama". Angus Gibson, Bomb Productions' Creative Director and Executive Producer, who worked with the acclaimed actor on 'Shaka iLembe,' in his tribute praised the talented thespian. 'His powerful and memorable portrayal of King Langa, the father of Zwide, in 'Shaka iLembe' will forever be etched in our hearts. 'Don was not only a remarkable talent but a true legend of our industry. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his work. He will be remembered and revered always,' said Gibson.
Forbes
14-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Estate By Sam Nazarian And Tony Robbins Appoints First 'Chief Longevity Officer'
The Estate's first location is set to open at Century Plaza in Los Angeles by the end of the year, which will house its flagship Longevity Center. When he launched SBE Entertainment Group in 2002, Sam Nazarian redefined hospitality by developing some of the most luxurious hotels, restaurants, lounges and nightclubs across the country, including brands like SLS, Delano, and Mondrian. Many of his projects centered on architecting the most luxurious settings for not just overnight stays, but iconic pool parties, rooftop bars and live DJ sets as well. But his latest venture, The Estate, is less about bottle service and more about bio-optimization for longevity. 'The Estate started with a question that's been on my mind for a long time: what does it really mean to live well, long-term? I've spent years building world-class hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs that bring people joy and connection, but I wanted to go deeper,' Nazarian tells Forbes. The Estate plans to open 15 new properties next year, including one in St. Kitts. With a goal to reshape the future of luxury hospitality and living, The Estate is fusing preventative medicine, AI-powered diagnostics, and longevity science. Nazarian launched The Estate with motivational speaker and bestselling author Tony Robbins in 2024. The cofounders aim to open 15 hotels and residences and 10 urban preventative medicine and longevity centers worldwide by 2026. Hotel openings are planned in St. Kitts; Miami; the United Kingdom; Trento, Italy; Montreux, Switzerland; and in the Gulf region. Some centers will offer membership opportunities with top-tier programs priced at $35,000 annually, and will include all diagnostics and priority access to medical care. In 2023 Nazarian also launched HQ Hotels & Residences, a new hospitality brand in partnership with Wyndham Hotel & Resorts, which aims to create a more accessible option for consumers priced out of the luxury-wellness market for travel. Longevity has already emerged as the next keyword to lead the next wave for wellness, with the number eight eternity sign symbolizing as each brand's mission to help consumers lengthen their lifespans. Canyon Ranch's Tucson location hosts four-day Longevity8 programs that include performance scientists and overnight sleep monitoring. In November David Beckham announced he's launching and investing in IM8, a nutritional supplements company that includes the Daily Ultimate Longevity capsule. Kenneth brings 27+ years of experience in high-end wellness and hospitality, most recently serving as VP of Global Operations for Spa, Fitness & Retail at Marriott International. The Estate meanwhile has appointed wellness veteran Kenneth Ryan as its inaugural Chief Longevity Officer (CLO)—the first-ever role of its kind. Says Nazarian, 'With Kenneth as our Chief Longevity Officer, we're taking it to the next a key part of what will set The Estate apart.' With over 27 years in wellness hospitality, Ryan is the former VP of Global Operations for Spa, Fitness & Retail at Marriott International. He is tasked to ensure these centers don't become another spa hotel but an AI-powered, cutting edge health club. From diagnostics to personalized bio-optimization protocols, The Estate wants to redefine luxury travel with an emphasis on long-term health. As CLO, he will implement AI-driven health assessments, biological age tracking, and more across The Estate's properties. Here, Ryan explains how this SBE venture will mark a shift in global wellness tourism, an industry that is expected to hit $1.35 trillion by 2028. Q: Wellness retreats have become incredibly popular and come in many different forms. How do the longevity retreats offered by The Estate differ from more traditional wellness escapes and packages? Kenneth Ryan: Traditional wellness retreats have done a fantastic job promoting relaxation and mindfulness, but what we're building at The Estate is something truly next-level. Longevity isn't just a program or an add-on—it's a core pillar of the lifestyle we're creating. We're integrating science-backed diagnostics, personalized therapies, and high-touch hospitality from the ground up. This isn't a spa bolted onto a luxury hotel; this is a full lifestyle ecosystem designed to extend both health span and lifespan in an environment that feels as indulgent as it is impactful. Q: What kind of guiding principles shape the treatments and services at The Estate? Ryan: Our approach is rooted in predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine. We're partnering with leaders like Fountain Life to bring in cutting-edge diagnostics—from full-body scans to metabolic and genetic testing. Whether someone is struggling with sleep, gut health, or performance, we'll be able to tailor a roadmap to optimal living. Our urban locations will partner with Clinique La Prairie to offer holistic treatments. Members can opt for hyperbaric chambers as well as red light therapy and cryotherapy. The majority of the population is confused about this space and we are taking out all the guesswork to create customized services to help them achieve results. Q: Are there any grand openings or upcoming locations you can share with us? Ryan: Our first location is set to open at Century Plaza in Los Angeles by the end of the year, which will house our flagship Longevity Center. This is a state-of-the-art diagnostic facility where guests can undergo a comprehensive set of tests and treatments. After that, we have 15 additional properties in development—including a full resort in St. Kitts with hotel and residential components. Each location for The Estate is carefully selected to align with aspirational travel destinations, whether that's a private island or a vibrant urban center. Q: Can you tell us a bit about your previous role and how it led you to this position at The Estate? Ryan: I've spent the past 27 years in the wellness, spa, and hospitality space. Most recently, I was with Marriott International for 15 years, where I served as Global Vice President overseeing spa, wellness, fitness, and retail across 650 spas worldwide. That portfolio generated over $540 million annually, making us the largest luxury spa provider globally. I've also worked with brands like Fairmont, Raffles, Ritz-Carlton, and St. Regis—so you could say this field is not just my career, it's my personal passion. Q: What's the process behind selecting the locations for The Estate's properties? Ryan: We look at a combination of aspirational travel destinations and key global cities. Places where people want to go—or already live. We want to meet our guests where they are, whether that means a private wellness escape or an everyday residence with integrated longevity services. Q: Do Blue Zones—countries where people generally experience longer, healthier lives—factor into your site selection and programming? And is living in one truly the ultimate 'longevity trip'? Ryan: Blue Zones absolutely inform our philosophy—they've shown us what's possible with community, movement, and purpose. But we're not trying to replicate those locations; we're drawing from their wisdom and applying it to the luxury lifestyle. The idea is to create a modern-day Blue Zone: a place where high-performance living is fully supported, whether you're visiting for a week or living there full-time. The St. Kitts location will offer both hotel and residential options. Q: Is longevity a smart way to engage men, who may not always feel drawn to traditional wellness retreats? Ryan: Yes, longevity has proven to be a fantastic entry point for men, they're drawn to the performance metrics, optimization, and advanced diagnostics services. But what's exciting is that this space also has something for everyone—including families. We're designing this for men, women, and even children. Imagine a family vacation where the kids are engaged in movement-based activities while parents focus on diagnostics or recovery. We're not testing children, of course, but we see opportunities in wellness and nutrition education, and playful movement for the next generation. Q: It sounds like there's a significant residential component. Can you tell us more about that? Ryan: Definitely. Our goal is to build a fully integrated ecosystem where wellness isn't just a weekend thing—it's a lifestyle. We'll have standalone residences in key markets, as well as homes connected to our hotels and resorts. These aren't retirement communities; they're homes for people who want to live vibrantly at every stage of life. Residents will have access to all the diagnostic tools, performance therapies, and medical professionals our guests do—with memberships that offer ongoing care, including telehealth, supplement guidance, and progress tracking. Top-tier membership will be around $35,000 annually and will include all diagnostics and priority access to care. Q: Any parting thoughts on what makes The Estate unique in the longevity and hospitality space? Ryan: We're not building a clinic with luxury finishes—we're building a lifestyle rooted in both hospitality and cutting-edge science. No one else is marrying these two worlds in quite the same way. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine what luxury living looks like through the lens of longevity.
