Ashley Callie

Ashley wins Star Actress award February 29, 2008

Ashley won the Star Actress award at tonight’s inaugural Stars of Mzansi awards ceremony in Johannesburg. Even though she is not with us in body, she will always be with us all in spirit. Well done Ash!Robert Whitehead (Barker Haines in Isidingo) and Steven Miyambo (Orlando in Isidingo) accepted the award on Ashley’s behalf. As they left the stage, they both sent a personal message to Ash. Steven said, “Miss Lee, rest in peace” with Robert exclaiming, “Wish you were here girl!”To all of you fellow fans on this site that have come together to remember Ashley and even vote for her for this award, thank you so much for contributing to the memory of such a special person in all our lives. And to Ashley: even when you’re not here, you’re still the best actress in town. Congratulations!

Moment of silence at Stars of Mzansi awards

A special moment of silence was held for Ashley at tonight’s inaugural Stars of Mzansi awards. We all still miss you so much, Ash.

Krijay believes Stars of Mzansi should honour Ashley February 24, 2008

Theatre and TV personality Krijay Govender and fashion designer Gavin Rajah have been nominated for the inaugural Stars of Mzansi awards, South Africa’s version of the American Emmys. The awards function, which will be held in the State Theatre, Pretoria, next Sunday, will honour South Africans who have achieved excellence in the entertainment, sports and fashion arenas.

Nominees were selected by leading journalists and critics.

The winners in the various categories will be selected by the public, who have been voting for their favourite stars by SMS and telephone and online.

Govender, who features in the TV sitcom Font, has been nominated in the star comedian category. She is up against heavyweights in the stand-up comedy circuit like David Kau, Marc Lottering and Loyiso Gola.

The former Miss India South Africa has also directed and starred in the SABC3 drama series Isidingo and is a sought-after MC, having hosted, among others, the Miss India Worldwide pageant and Anant Singh’s Now or Never concert.

She said she was “shocked and excited” by her nomination.

Still in shock over the death of former Isidingo colleague Ashley Callie, she believes the actress, who played Lee Haines, should be honoured by the Stars of Mzansi.

She said Callie, who was nominated in the star actress category, “left us at the pinnacle of health, beauty, vitality, talent and intelligence”.

“She should be honoured not only to mark her legacy, but because she was truly one of our most talented actresses.” – The Times

Remembering Ashley February 21, 2008

A few moments from Ashley’s memorial in Johannesburg today. We will remember and love you forever.

A Top Billing tribute to Ash’s life, presented by her former Isidingo co-star, Tumisho Masha, who played the role of Dumisani Thusong.

Ashley on 3Talk

3Talk put together a beautiful tribute to Ashley. Click 3Talk Videos at the top of this page to see four different videos:

1. Ashley at her dramatic best
2. Ash’s lighter side
3. Isidingo bloopers and a sad, final ‘cheers’ to our dear friend
4. Ashley in a 3Talk interview, celebrating Isidingo’s 2000th episode

We’re missing you so much, Ashley

The Times attended Ashley’s memorial and spoke with a few of Ashley’s Isidingo castmates about their memories of Ash.

Family and friends gather to remember Ashley

Hundreds of mourners arrived at the Johannesburg Country club on Thursday morning to say goodbye to actress Ashley Callie who died on Friday last week.Callie, who was well known for her role as Leone Haines in Isidingo, was involved in a car accident on the corner of 4th Avenue and Tana Road.

Although initial reports indicated she was doing well after surgery, she died as a result of her injuries.

“Ashley’s life motto was Carpe Diem ( seize the day) – she saw opportunities and took them. She lived life to the full. There is no point in asking what ifs, or reflecting on the negative – look at the love and warmth here today,” said close family friend and master of ceremonies Kate Turkington.

A coral-coloured rose, Ashley’s favourite colour, has been named after her.

Pumla Hopa, Executive producer for Isidingo said that there would always be a gaping hole in the Isidingo family.

“How could we forget having so much but such a little of you?” she said,” your poise, presence and radiance lit our screens. Ashley is among the glowing stars above us. She achieved more in her young life than most older than her.”

SABC group chief executive officer, Dali Mpofu, said millions of Isidingo fans could say that they’d lost a loved one.

“I ask Ashley’s family to forgive me for treating her like public property. She was one of the people who told our stories and she did that so well in Isidingo. You were great, you touched our lives,” he said.

Local singer, Loyiso Bala, sang Nat King Cole’s Unforgettable as a tribute to Callie.

“Ashley told her sister a week before she died that she wanted to buy Loyiso’s CD; she didn’t get around to it, but he is here to sing for her now,” said the master of ceremonies.

Visibly moved, Callie’s father, Graham hugged Loyiso after he had sung.

Robert Whitehead who played the role of Leone’s villainous father, Barker Haines on the show was unable to remain composed as he read William Shakespeare’s eighteenth sonnet “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”

“Ashley was a woman of grace and style, elegant, charming, sensitive and tender. In the swamp of vulgarity we wade through, she was polished. Crisp as an apple,” he said.

“I would marvel at having such a fabulous daughter in TV land; if I did have a daughter in real life, Ashley would have been the daughter I would want. ”

Unable to hold back his tears he concluded,” I always thought she would be snatched away by Hollywood. I never dreamt she would be snatched away like this. After all is said I done, I will always wish she was still here.”

Callie is survived by her mother, Claire, sister Lauren (both featured in the photo above), father Graham, and brother, John. – News24

In Living Memory of Ashley Callie

While family, friends and fans converge on the gardens of the Johannesburg Country Club in Auckland Park for Ashley’s memorial service at 10am today, Ashley has been memorialised by a beautiful new Ashley Callie Rose, created by Ludwig’s Roses, seen here.

The Callie Family would like to express how moved they are by this kind gesture, and wish to thank Ludwig’s Roses for so kindly dedicating the perfect rose in remembrance of Ashley’s gracious sense of style, love of all things beautiful and passion for living.

Reflecting on the memorial venue, Lauren Callie (Ashley’s sister) said, “Our father has been a member of the club since he was boy, and we have been going there for years. It was a favourite place of Ashley’s. It has a lot of good memories for the family so it is very significant. She loved the rose gardens,” Lauren said.

The service will be open to the public and hundreds of fans are expected to attend.

For those who can’t make it to the venue, please try to observe a minute of loving silence for Ashley and her family at 10am this morning. Or light a candle. Something that connects you with Ashley and her loved ones.

To the family: we will be thinking of you even more today and will always remember Ashley with love, admiration and gratitude for the joy she brought to our lives.

Ashley will never be forgotten February 20, 2008

A tribute to Ashley by Natalie Le Clue

Isidingo’s Orlando pays tribute to Ashley

Ashley’s co-star Steven Miyambo, who plays Orlando (the loyal butler to the Haines family in Isidingo), pays tribute to his friend and colleague.

Isidingo will not replace Ashley February 19, 2008

SABC 3 and the producers of Isidingo have decided not to recast actress Ashley Callie’s role in the soapie. Isidingo’s executive producer, Pumla Hopa, said: “In honour of Ashley’s memory and her exceptional acting skills, the SABC and the creative team have decided not to recast her role.

“Her family is happy about that because, as much as there might be capable actresses out there, she was one of a kind and it would never be the same.”

Callie died on Friday following a head-on car collision in Johannesburg the week before.

A memorial service for Callie will be held on Thursday at the Johannesburg Country Club, in Auckland Park.

Hopa said: “If we were to recast, the more than 4 million viewers would be up in arms. Ashley was not only loved by the show’s audiences; we also loved her so much that we could not give her role away.”

How, and when, Callie’s character will make her last appearance in Isidingo is not clear, and Hopa said it will not be made public in order not to spoil the show’s plot. – The Times

SABC 3 tribute to Ashley

Sending Love to Ashley February 18, 2008

In lieu of flowers, the Callie family has requested that should anyone like to make a donation, donations to the following two organisations
would be much appreciated:

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF SPCAs
Bank: STANDARD BANK
Branch: SOUTHDALE
Account Type: CURRENT
Account No: 201 032 015
Branch Code: 00 64 05
Reference: Ashley Callie

If donors could either email their name and details of their deposit to
nspca@cybertrade.co.za or fax (011) 907 4013.

Animal Anti Cruelty League
Bank: FNB
Branch: Rosebank
Account Type: CURRENT
Account No: 50380046810
Branch Code: 253305
Reference: Ashley Callie

If donors could either email their name and details of their deposit to
aacladmin@iafrica.com or fax (011) 435 0693.

A video tribute, posted by a fan

Ashley’s Memorial Service

Family, friends and fans of Isidingo actress Ashley Callie will converge on the gardens of the Johannesburg Country Club, in Auckland Park, at 10am on Thursday for her memorial service.

Callie, best known for her role as the feisty Lee Haines in the soapie, died at Milpark Hospital on Friday after spending a week in the intensive care unit after a horrific head-on car collision a week earlier.

Callie’s sister, Lauren, yesterday said the choice of venue was apt because it was a special place for the family.

“Our father has been a member of the club since he was boy, and we have been going there for years. It was a favourite place of Ashley’s. It has a lot of good memories for the family so it is very significant. She loved the rose gardens,” Lauren said.

The service will be open to the public and hundreds of fans are expected to attend.

“We understand that Ashley has a lot of fans and people want to say goodbye to her personally,” Lauren said.

“She was special to everyone and it is touching and comforting to know on how many lives she has left a positive impression.”

She said the influx of messages of support and condolence had not waned, and tributes were still streaming in.

“We are overwhelmed by the messages and we cannot adequately express our appreciation,” she said. – The Times

SABC 3 tribute to Ashley in Sunday Times February 17, 2008

A lovely, serene and peaceful picture of Ashley (accompanied by the tribute below) appeared in The Sunday Times today.

In memory of a beautiful character.

SABC bids a very sad farewell to Ashley Callie, a gracious and talented young star who captured our imagination, on and off the screen. Ashley, we will remember you for your warmth , passion and invaluable contribution to the performing arts. As will millions for your character of Lee Haines in the hit local soap Isidingo on SABC 3. While we mourn your passing, we also celebrate your life and the incredible mark you have left on all of us. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family at this time.

Ashley Callie, you will forever stay in our hearts.

Isidingo actress mourned

Tributes continued to pour in last night as news of the death of award-winning Isidingo actress Ashley Callie sunk in. The 32-year- old star succumbed to severe head injuries on Friday, a week after she was involved in a horror car crash in Johannesburg.

Callie played the role of Leonie (Lee), the daughter of business magnate Barker Haines in the prime-time SABC 3 soapie.

Their voices quivering with emotion, dozens of Callie’s television fans phoned radio stations and wrote messages of condolences on her website.

Hundreds of responses were posted on the ashleycallie.co.za website created by her fans to support her while in hospital after the accident.

One fan wrote: “I haven’t felt this badly since Princess Diana died. How is it possible that someone so young, beautiful and talented can just be snuffed from our midst? ”

Another message read: “Ashley, you were an amazing woman, an amazing actress. RIP.”

And: “I cannot imagine Isidingo without her. It’s such a tragic shock. I just cannot believe she is gone. It is heart wrenching watching Isidingo and knowing that there will be a time when she is no longer in the show.”

Minister of Arts and Culture Pallo Jordan said he was deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely death of a young, gifted South African television actress.

“We hope that her family, friends, relatives and fans will allow her spirit to rest in peace,” Jordan said in a statement yesterday morning.

“We were truly blessed to have a young, gifted South African who stretched all the sinews in her body to reflect the ideals of a united, non-racial and non-sexist society. Lala ngoxolo (rest in peace), Ms Callie!”

Gauteng Arts and Culture MEC Barbara Creecy said: “On behalf of the Gauteng provincial government we extend our condolences to the Callie family, Isidingo cast, members of the arts fraternity and those who loved and supported Ashley.

“As we mourn her death, let us also celebrate her life as she continues to live in the hearts and minds of Isidingo soapie lovers through her character on the screen.”

Isidingo executive producer Phumla Hopa said the soap opera’s writing team was still in shock over her passing and did not have any concrete plans on how to deal with her character — an integral part of the Isidingo team for five years — in upcoming story lines.

Said Hopa: “Ashley’s professionalism and talent is going to be sorely missed by us, her production team, the cast and crew of Isidingo. But more than her work as an actress, Ashley’s humor, compassion, sparkle and positivity is going to be missed the most.”

Callie was involved in a head-on collision last Friday night on the corner of 4th Avenue and Tana Road in Emmarentia, north of Johannesburg. She was driving home after she had attended the Pirelli Calender launch at Summer Place in Hyde Park.

While in intensive care at the Johannesburg Hospital, she underwent brain surgery last Saturday to alleviate the pressure on her brain.

Doctors told the family they were optimistic about her recovery and her sister, Lauren, said they were indeed convinced that she would pull through because she was a very strong person.

But on Friday afternoon, with her family members keeping vigil at her bedside, she lost the battle to live.

The grieving family released a statement: “It is with great sadness that we confirm that Ashley Callie passed away today (Friday), a week after her tragic motorcar accident. Ashley continues to live on in our hearts and minds.”

In 2006 Callie won the award for best actress in a soap — for her role as Haines — at the inaugural South African Film and Television Awards. – The Times

Ashley Callie reflected rainbow nation February 16, 2008

Actress Ashley Callie was a testament of unmistakable African talent, the Department of Arts and Culture said.

“We were truly blessed to have a young, gifted, South African who stretched all the sinews in her body to reflect the ideals of a united, non-racial and non-sexist society… the ministry is deeply shocked and saddened,” said Minister Pallo Jordan.

Callie died yesterday as a result of head injuries sustained in a car accident on the corner of 4th avenue and Tana road in Linden.

“The young Miss Callie was special because her life is a testament of the unmistakable African talent that has emerged in the post-apartheid society to capture and reflect the essence of change and transformation through the small screen

“Her rise to continent-wide recognition was essentially linked to the multi-award winning soapie, Isidingo which has established itself as the ultimate yardstick of a meaningful and relevant television production that is intuitively connected to the spirit of a new society.”

Jordan said Callie was the sort of artist who was in the forefront of projecting a new image of the realities of SA, in a character that was true to herself rather than a particular group.

“There is very little doubt that Ms Callie has made a significant contribution to laying a solid foundation to the redefinition of indigenous SA television content… We hope that her family, friends, relatives and fans will allow her spirit to rest in peace.” – The Times

Funeral plans to be released on Saturday February 15, 2008

Staff members at the La Vista Social Club restaurant in Melville are shocked by the sudden passing of owner and award winning South African actress, Ashley Callie.

The family of the Isidingo actress, who died today, and the producers of the popular soap opera will issue a joint statement on funeral plans tomorrow.

Callie died in a Johannesburg hospital from injuries sustained in a car accident in Linden last weekend.

The cast and crew of Isidingo – where Callie played the role of Lee Haines – have had to be assisted by trauma counsellors. Callie’s family has thanked the doctors and nursing staff for their professionalism in caring for her.

Messages of condolences have been streaming onto the website created by her fans after her accident. – SABC Entertainment News

As I write this, Ashley’s spirit lives on in Isidingo

While writing this, Ashley is on Isidingo on TV in the background. So fitting that she would choose to leave us in this way, saying goodbye with utter professionalism. Beaming from the screen is her trademark smile, half naughty, half knowing … totally genuine and uplifting. As an Isidingo fan since the start, I found Ashley to be the most remarkable of the ensemble. So many of her fans have shared similar feelings here.

It is hardly surprising that Ashley has left our hearts so sore. Like one of the few true legends, Ashley connected with us right through the screen. You felt that she was always speaking directly to you. With you. When she looked into the camera, it was just you and her. That’s real acting, real talent, real Ashley.

Only the good die young, Ash. We are just so sad that you had to go and prove it.

Thank you for bringing Lee to all of us. Our gift back to you will be lifelong memories of someone so special. To Lauren and family, God bless always.

Goodbye Ashley

Ashley, our dear and lovely friend, has died

“It is with sincere regret that the Callie family confirms that earlier today Ashley passed away as a result of the head injuries she sustained in a car accident,” her family said in a statement.

“Ashley continues to live on in our hearts and minds.”

The family thanked the doctors and staff for their professionalism in caring for their loved one.

The 32-year-old actress, best known for her role as Lee Haines in the TV soap opera Isidingo, was in an accident on the corner of 4th Avenue and Tana Road in Johannesburg last week.

Isidingo executive producer Pumla Hopa said she was deeply shocked by Callie’s death. She, along with the crew and cast of the popular soap opera were being assisted by trauma counsellors at the studio on Friday afternoon.

“I’m shocked, I can’t think of the words to express my condolences to Ashley’s family and friends at this difficult time… I’m sorry, I can’t be very eloquent at this time, words fail me,” she said.

Callie was driving alone in a Smart Car, when a head-on collision with a Renault occurred.

The driver of the Renault, a man, and two woman passengers were also seriously injured and transported to Milpark hospital. – Sapa

‘Words escape me as I try to speak’

Award winning South African actress Ashley Callie, 32, died on Friday.

“It is with sincere regret that the Callie Family confirms that earlier today Ashley passed away as a result of the head injuries she sustained in a car accident,” her family said in a statement.

“Ashley continues to live on in our hearts and minds.”

The family thanked the doctors and staff for their professionalism in caring for their loved one.

The actress, best known for her role as Lee Haines in the TV soap opera Isidingo, was in an accident on the corner of 4th Avenue and Tana Road in Johannesburg last week.

Her performance on the soap opera recently won her the Best Actress award at the South African Film and Television Awards.

Isidingo executive producer Pumla Hopa said she was deeply shocked by Callie’s death. She, along with the crew and cast of the popular soap opera, were being assisted by trauma counsellors at the studio on Friday afternoon.

“I’m shocked, I can’t think of the words to express my condolences to Ashley’s family and friends at this difficult time… I’m sorry, I can’t be very eloquent at this time, words fail me,” she said.

Callie was driving alone in a Smart Car, when a head-on collision with a Renault occurred.

The driver of the Renault, a man, and two woman passengers were also seriously injured and transported to Milpark hospital.

Messages of condolences began streaming in on a website created by Callie’s fans to support her after the accident.

“So sorry to hear; words escape me as I try to speak,” read one.

“The Callie family, may these words of sympathy help comfort you somehow and let you know that others share the loss you are feeling now,” said another.

Read the rest of this article at Tonight.co.za

Update from Johannesburg General Hospital February 14, 2008

We spoke with Ashley’s sister, Lauren, this evening at Johannesburg General Hospital. She was extremely thankful for the support coming through from fans and friends and confirmed that Ashley is still critical but remains stable.

Lauren asked that we all continue keeping Ashley in our prayers and thoughts for a speedy recovery. God speed Ashley.

Share your love, positive energy & best wishes February 12, 2008

As most of South Africa knows by now, Ashley Callie was involved in a serious car accident on Friday 8 February 2008. She sustained head injuries and underwent surgery on Saturday. Thankfully, she is recovering at Johannesburg General Hospital and is in a stable condition.

As fans of Ashley’s work and her remarkable spirit that shines through her character on Isidingo, we have created this site to pull together support from all her fans, friends and family.

Our messages will combine to send Ashley loads of positive energy, prayers and best wishes to get her through this difficult time and towards a very speedy recovery.

Please share your thoughts and messages by commenting on this post.

Isidingo actress ‘kept sedated’

Popular Isidingo actress, Ashley Callie, was still unconscious on Tuesday morning after a serious car crash on Friday.

“She’ll remain sedated. Her injuries were quite severe from the accident,” her sister Lauren Callie told News24. “So it’s best that she remains sedated for as long as possible so as not to disrupt those injuries and to help the healing.”.

The actress, who plays Lee Haines in Isidingo, was involved in a head-on collision with a Renault on the corner of 4th Avenue and Tana Road at about 22:30 on Friday night.

Ashley, 32, sustained serious head injuries and underwent surgery on Saturday afternoon to relieve pressure on the brain.

She was in a stable condition in the intensive care unit of a Johannesburg hospital on Tuesday morning.

“She’s got colour back in her face and she is making progress,” said Lauren.

Doctors have been optimistic about her recovery, but Lauren said a full recovery was “dependent on the individual”.

The male driver and two female passengers of the Renault were also seriously injured, and rushed to Milpark hospital.

Lauren said the rest of the Callie family was shocked when paramedics called them from the scene late on Friday night. Her sister was on her way home from one of her public appearances.

The Smart car she was driving was wrecked, according to Lauren.

“We don’t know the details of how the accident occurred,” said Lauren. Metro police are conducting an investigation.

Ashley’s family have been keeping vigil by her bedside. “It’s early days so we just take each day at a time,” said Lauren. “We appreciate everyone’s positive thoughts and strength.”

- News24

Isidingo star expected to pull through after crash February 11, 2008

Support for popular Isidingo actress Ashley Callie from her fans, friends and colleagues has kept the star performer’s family encouraged that she will recover soon.

By late on Sunday, Callie’s condition was said to be stable after undergoing surgery for severe head injuries she sustained when her car collided with another on Friday night.

Callie, 32, who plays the character Lee in the SABC soapie, was earlier reported to have been in a critical condition. The surgery allowed doctors to alleviate the pressure on her brain.

Callie’s sister Lauren said the actress was “stable and doing well” and doctors were optimistic she would pull through.

“Her injuries are very severe, and because of her condition, she is sedated. But she is stable, which is very positive. We are looking forward to her making a speedy recovery,” said Lauren, who requested The Star not to name the hospital where the actress is recovering.
Isidingo’s executive producer, Phumla Hopa, said they remained confident that Callie’s strength would help her to overcome her condition.

Meanwhile, the three occupants of the Renault that collided head-on with Callie’s Smart Car were also in a stable condition after undergoing surgery on Saturday.

Netcare Milpark Hospital spokesperson Amelda Swartz said she was hopeful they would all be released from ICU on Monday.

According to Joburg metro police spokesperson Superintendent Wayne Minnaar, the accident took place at the corner of 4th Avenue and Tana Road in Emmarentia, Joburg, at about 10.30pm on Friday.

“We are not sure what the exact cause of the accident was, but police are investigating,” Minnaar said.

- Tonight.co.za