Former 'Backstage' star Carlo Radebe reportedly falls on hard times

South African actor Carlo Radebe has reportedly fallen on hard times. 

According to one of the star's friends, Carlo - who played Duke on 'Backstage' and Sello Mvuyane on 'Generations', lives off a R350 monthly government grant. 

Mauritz Neethling shared the news on Facebook. 

"Dear FB friends and family. It is with great sadness and empathy that I would like to appeal to your kindheartedness to help a friend who is currently not able to help himself and finds himself in a dark and hopeless situation," he wrote.

Mauritz revealed that things took a turn for the worse during COVID-19. The arts, film and television industries shut down for a lengthy period, leaving many without work. Carlo allegedly struggled to find work when the industry opened up again. 

"Unfortunately for Carlo he has not been able to get back on his feet, and currently finds himself in a situation where he is struggling to sustain himself. Evicted from his former residence, he is currently residing in the back of a remote smallholding outside Jhb, relying on a government grant of only R350 pm," Mauritz said. 

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Mauritz included a CV that showed some of the work Carlo has done over the years. He started his career in theatre in 1996 before starring in TV series such as 'Isidingo', '7de Laan', 'Isibaya', and 'Soul City'. 

He also appeared in films such as 'How to Steal 2 Million' and 'Mrs. Right Guy'. 

South Africans were shocked to learn about Carlo's plight. Many showed the actor some love in the comments section. 

"He shall rise again. He’s still a legend in my eyes," one Facebook user wrote. 

X (Twitter) users also rallied behind Carlo. 

"We are paying DSTV and TV license to watch the same actors doing 5 different shows. We are paying DSTV and TV license to watch talentless influencers who get gigs ngokudunusa. While talented legends Carlo Radebe are suffering and struggling to find gigs," one user wrote.

Some even asked Zizi Kodwa, Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture, to step in. 

"Hi Minister @zizikodwa, a gentleman named @mouthelightinguy reached out to us on social media regarding our thespian #CarloRadebe so I would personally ask you and the @SportArtsCultur to reach out and assist uncle Carlo, his CV speaks volumes, he cant be be suffering like this.

Carlo has not commented on the claims mentioned in Mauritz Neethling's Facebook post. 

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Main image credit: Instagram/montshotheblack