MY KIND JAMIE
YOU South Africa|9 June 2022
Jamie Bartlett was known for playing baddies, but in real life he was just the opposite, his grieving partner Rosa tells YOU
LESEGO SEOKWANG
MY KIND JAMIE

HE WAS a rogue and a scoundrel, a schemer who always had a dastardly H plan up his sleeve.

His name was Mike O'Reilly in Isidingo and David Genaro in Rhythm City and anyone who watched South African television over the past 25 years knew they were in for a treat when Jamie Bartlett brought one of these villains to life.

Jamie was a multi-award-winning actor as well as a popular leadership and business etiquette coach and mentor, charismatic and friendly in person, and the consummate professional on set. He was also seemingly in the bloom of health.

Which is why there was such shock when the 55-year-old recently died in his sleep at his Johannesburg home, the victim of sudden cardiac arrest.

"He was such a force of nature I didn't think he could ever die,' fellow actor Nick Boraine wrote on Twitter.

His death has sent the acting fraternity and his fans, friends, and family reeling but no one is more devastated than Rosa Onious (30), his life partner and manager.

The sheets on their bed remain unwashed as she does everything she can to hold onto memories of the love of her life: his scent, his laughter, his voice, and the sound of his kisses.

When YOU speaks to her a few days after his death, she addresses Jamie in the first person. "I'm not ready for you to go," she says. "I can't go on without you, not yet. I need you... I just can't..

Rosa is battling to understand how Jamie can just be gone.

"He was fine, he was healthy, he didn't complain about pain or anything, Rosa says.

"Jamie was a health freak - we didn't eat starch, he drank his kombucha tea and juices, which were a concoction of all these different herbs that cleanse your body. His skin was beautiful, he was ageing gracefully and looking after himself.

This story is from the 9 June 2022 edition of YOU South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the 9 June 2022 edition of YOU South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM YOU SOUTH AFRICAView All
HE'S GOT THE LOOK!
YOU South Africa

HE'S GOT THE LOOK!

His startled expression has turned Russian cat Fedya into an internet sensation

time-read
3 mins  |
28 March 2024
ROYALS AT WORK
YOU South Africa

ROYALS AT WORK

Here’s a look at the dwindling family members who make up Charles’ right-hand team

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
IT'S MY HAPPY COLOUR
YOU South Africa

IT'S MY HAPPY COLOUR

The woman known as the Green Lady just can’t get enough of her favourite shade

time-read
3 mins  |
28 March 2024
IT'S MY TIME TO SHINE
YOU South Africa

IT'S MY TIME TO SHINE

After years of slogging in Hollywood, Colman Domingo is revelling in the glory his role in Rustin has brought him

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
IRON LUNG, IRON WILL
YOU South Africa

IRON LUNG, IRON WILL

HIS life changed forever one summer day in 1952. Paul Alexander was six years old and cooling off in light rain outside his family home when his head and neck began to hurt.

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
WHY DID HE DO THIS TO OUR GIRLS?
YOU South Africa

WHY DID HE DO THIS TO OUR GIRLS?

A trusted figure in their community was found guilty of murdering their daughthers, but the two devastated families are still struggling to find closure

time-read
4 mins  |
28 March 2024
HE HIJACKED MY LIFE
YOU South Africa

HE HIJACKED MY LIFE

Abby Furness’ world was turned upside down when a stranger began impersonating her online, sending explicit messages to colleagues and friends.

time-read
10+ mins  |
28 March 2024
5 MINUTE FIXES
YOU South Africa

5 MINUTE FIXES

Don’t have much time to exercise? No problem! These super-quick workouts mean you can improve your fitness, strength and posture in the time it takes to make a cup of tea

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
THE JOY OF SELENA
YOU South Africa

THE JOY OF SELENA

After years of illness and mental health problems the Disney darling is finally in a really good place COMPILED

time-read
4 mins  |
28 March 2024
TAKE THAT CROCODILE!
YOU South Africa

TAKE THAT CROCODILE!

When Anthony was attacked in a dam on a weekend break, his fearless family and friends had no intention of losing him to the bloodthirsty beast

time-read
4 mins  |
28 March 2024