
Michelle Botes Biography
Michelle Botes (12 October 1962 – 21 December 2024) was a South African actress renowned for her dynamic roles in television soap operas, notably “Isidingo as Cherel de Villiers Haines” and “Legacy as Angelique Price”.
She studied drama at Stellenbosch University and later earned a diploma in education. Her career spanned decades, earning her multiple awards, including a SAFTA Golden Horn Award.
She was also a language instructor, designer, and aromatherapist. Botes was married to actor Ian Roberts.
She passed away in December 2024 after battling cancer, leaving behind a lasting impact on the South African entertainment industry.

Michelle Botes Wikipedia
Full Name: Michelle Botes
Date of Birth: October 12, 1962
Place of Birth: Cape Town, South Africa
Date of Death: December 21, 2024 (aged 62)
Nationality: South African
Education:
Stellenbosch University – Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Drama
University of Cape Town – Diploma in Education
Occupation: Actress, Language Instructor, Designer, Aromatherapist
Years Active: 1976–2024
Famous Roles:
Cherel de Villiers Haines in Isidingo
Angelique Price in Legacy
Notable Awards: SAFTA Golden Horn Award for Best Supporting Actress (Legacy)
Spouse: Ian Roberts (divorced)
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Other Interests: Holistic wellness and aromatherapy
Cause of Death: Cancer
Michelle Botes Age
Michelle Botes was born on October 12, 1962. She passed away on December 21, 2024, at the age of 62.
Michelle Botes Early Life
Michelle Botes was born on October 12, 1962, in Cape Town, South Africa. She pursued her passion for the arts by studying speech and drama at the University of Stellenbosch, where she earned her bachelor’s degree.
She later continued her education at the University of Cape Town, obtaining a diploma in education.
Her early life laid the foundation for a successful career in acting, equipping her with the skills and knowledge that would make her one of South Africa’s most celebrated actresses.
Michelle Botes Career
Michelle Botes had a remarkable career in the South African entertainment industry, particularly in television.
Breakthrough Role – Isidingo:
She gained national fame for her portrayal of Cherel de Villiers Haines in the SABC3 soap opera Isidingo. She played the role from 1998 to 2007, then returned in 2009.
Her performance as the cunning and manipulative Cherel made her one of the most iconic villains in South African TV history. She won multiple awards, including Best Actress and Best Onscreen Villain at the 2006 Avanti Awards.
Later Roles – Binnelanders and Legacy:
After Isidingo, she joined the Afrikaans medical drama Binnelanders, where she played the role of Ingrid Jordaan. In 2020, she took on another major role as Angelique Price in the M-Net telenovela Legacy.
Her performance in Legacy earned her the SAFTA Golden Horn Award for Best Supporting Actress in the Telenovela category.
Other Work:
Besides acting, Michelle Botes was also involved in language instruction, design, and aromatherapy. Her diverse talents extended beyond television, showing her passion for creativity and personal development.
NOTE: Her career spanned several decades, making her one of South Africa’s most beloved and respected actresses. Her ability to bring complex characters to life left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Michelle Botes Personal Life
Michelle Botes was married to Ian Roberts, a well-known South African actor. The couple had two children together before eventually parting ways.
Beyond her acting career, Michelle had a deep interest in language instruction, design, and aromatherapy.
She was known for her love of creativity, not just on screen but also in other aspects of her life.
In 2022, she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer.
She fought the disease for two years before passing away on December 21, 2024, in Cape Town.
Despite her struggles, she remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, remembered for her talent, grace, and dedication to her craft.
Michelle Botes’ Filmography
Here are some key roles from Michelle Botes’ extensive career in television:
Television:
1. Isidingo (1998–2007, 2009):
- Role: Cherel de Villiers Haines
- A defining role in her career, Botes portrayed the scheming and manipulative character of Cherel, becoming one of South Africa’s most iconic villains on television.
2. Binnelanders (2010–2014):
- Role: Ingrid Jordaan
- Another notable role in an Afrikaans medical drama showcases her versatility in playing complex characters.
3. Legacy (2020–2021):
- Role: Angelique Price
- A key role in this popular M-Net telenovela, for which she won the SAFTA Golden Horn Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Michelle Botes Awards and Recognition
- Avanti Awards (2006): Best Actress and Best Onscreen Villain for her role as Cherel de Villiers Haines in Isidingo.
- SAFTA Golden Horn Award (2021): Best Supporting Actress in a Telenovela for her role as Angelique Price in Legacy.
Her portrayal of Cherel de Villiers Haines in Isidingo made her one of South Africa’s most memorable TV villains, earning her both critical acclaim and a loyal fan following.
Michelle Botes Net Worth
The well-known mother and television personality from South Africa, Michelle Botes, is thought to be valued between $1 million and $4 million.
Some Interesting Facts About Michelle Botes
1. Multitalented Background:
Apart from acting, she was also a language instructor, designer, and aromatherapist.
2. Education:
She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Drama from Stellenbosch University.
Later, she obtained a diploma in education from the University of Cape Town.
3. Iconic Villain Roles:
She was best known for playing Cherel de Villiers Haines in Isidingo, one of the most memorable antagonists in South African TV history.
She won multiple Best Actress and Best Onscreen Villain awards for this role.
4. International Recognition:
She appeared in the Hollywood action film American Ninja 2: The Confrontation (1987) as Alicia Sanborn.
5. Marriage to a Fellow Actor:
She was married to South African actor Ian Roberts, though they later divorced.
6. Return to Acting:
After taking a break from television, she made a comeback with her role as Angelique Price in Legacy (2020–2022).
7. Fluent in Multiple Languages:
She was proficient in English and Afrikaans, allowing her to work in diverse productions.
8. Passion for Wellness:
Aside from acting, she was deeply interested in holistic wellness and aromatherapy.
Michelle Botes’ Legacy
Michelle Botes left an indelible mark on the South African entertainment industry through her outstanding performances, especially in soap operas and telenovelas.
1. An Iconic Actress:
She became a household name through her portrayal of Cherel de Villiers Haines in Isidingo, a character that remains one of the most legendary TV villains in South African history.
Her role as Angelique Price in Legacy reaffirmed her status as a powerful actress in later years.
2. Award-Winning Talent:
She won multiple Best Actress and Best Villain awards, including the SAFTA Golden Horn Award for Legacy.
3. Role Model for South African Actors:
She paved the way for many young actors in South Africa, proving that strong female characters could lead a series.
Her ability to seamlessly switch between TV, film, and theater showcased her versatility.
4. A Lasting Cultural Impact:
Fans remember her for her intense, captivating performances that made her characters unforgettable.
Even after her passing in December 2024, her work continues to inspire and entertain audiences.
5. Beyond Acting:
She was not just an actress but also a language instructor, designer, and aromatherapist, showing her multi-talented nature.
Michelle Botes’ contributions to South African television and film ensure that her legacy lives on in the hearts of fans and the industry.
Michelle Botes Instagram
Her official Instagram account, @michellebotesofficial

FAQs
1. Who was Michelle Botes?
Michelle Botes was a South African actress, best known for her roles in Isidingo as Cherel de Villiers Haines and Legacy as Angelique Price.
2. When and where was Michelle Botes born?
She was born on October 12, 1962, in Cape Town, South Africa.
3. What was Michelle Botes’ most famous role?
Her most iconic role was Cherel de Villiers Haines in Isidingo, where she played one of the most famous villains in South African television history.
4. What awards did Michelle Botes win?
She won multiple awards, including the SAFTA Golden Horn Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Legacy.
5. Was Michelle Botes married?
Yes, she was previously married to South African actor Ian Roberts, but they later divorced.
6. What was Michelle Botes’ last acting role?
Her last major role was as Angelique Price in Legacy (2020–2022). She also appeared in the 2021 film Jewel.
7. Did Michelle Botes act in international films?
Yes, she appeared in American Ninja 2: The Confrontation (1987) as Alicia Sanborn.
8. What was Michelle Botes’ educational background?
She studied at Stellenbosch University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Drama, and later received a diploma in education from the University of Cape Town.
9. Did Michelle Botes have other careers besides acting?
Yes, she was also a language instructor, designer, and aromatherapist.
10. When did Michelle Botes pass away?
She passed away on December 21, 2024, after battling cancer.
11. What is Michelle Botes’ legacy?
She is remembered as one of South Africa’s greatest actresses, known for her ability to portray strong, complex characters. Her performances continue to inspire actors and fans.
In conclusion
Michelle Botes was a renowned South African actress, best known for her unforgettable performances in Isidingo and Legacy.
Her ability to portray strong, complex, and sometimes villainous characters made her a household name in the entertainment industry.
Beyond acting, she had a diverse career, working as a language instructor, designer, and aromatherapist.
Her dedication to her craft earned her multiple awards, and her performances left a lasting impact on South African television.
Even after her passing in December 2024, Michelle Botes’ legacy lives on through her iconic roles, inspiring future generations of actors and captivating audiences for years to come.