Death of Charlbi Dean shocks co-stars

Triangle Of Sadness star was only 32

by Jennie Kermode

From left, Harris Dickinson, Ruben Östlund and Charlbi Dean
From left, Harris Dickinson, Ruben Östlund and Charlbi Dean Photo: Richard Mowe

Friends and colleagues have been left reeling today after the death of rising star Charlbi Dean from a sudden illness, at the age of just 32.

The South African actor starred alongside Woody Harrelson in Triangle Of Sadness, which won the Palme D'Or at Cannes this year and is due to screen at Fantastic Fest later this month. Ruben Östlund, who also appears in the film, said "Charlbi had a care and sensitivity that lifted her colleagues and the entire film crew," and described her death as "a shock and a tragedy."

Dean had also won a fan following for her role as Syonide in the series Black Lightning and appeared in a number of additional films including Don't Sleep, Spud and Blood In The Water. She began a career as a model at the age of just six and had long been keen to move into acting.

Dean was in hospital in New York City at the time of her death. it is understood that she had been suffering from a viral lung infection but the exact cause of death is yet to be determined. She was vulnerable to lung respiratory diseases following a car accident in 2009 which caused serious injury to her left lung. She leaves behind her fiancé, fellow model Luke Volker.

Share this with others on...
News

The serpent's call Composer Stephen Lukach on creating tension and awe in Beware Boiúna

Care and community Mike Leigh and the Tender Loving Care cast on humanity and looking out for one another

The aftermath Jorge Thielen Armand on returning to Venezuela to make Death Has No Master

Making magic Gregg Bishop on witches, inspiring actors, instinctive filmmaking and The Heretiks

The road to The Guests Cristina Diz and Stefan Butzmühlen on working together on their latest film

Beyond Saturn Tina Gharavi, Tala Calil and Assaad Bouab on Shadows Of Beirut

Puppy love Brad Pitt on the 'moving' Heart Of The Beast shoot thanks to furry co-star Odin

More news and features

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


San Sebastian Golden night for Tender Loving Care


Toronto La Bola Negra wins People's Choice award


San Sebastian Naomi Watts dedicates Donostia Award to Lynch


San Sebastian Werner Herzog honoured


Dinard Full programme announced


LFF Full programme announced