A force to be reckoned with in the industry, he was often described as a master storyteller, his death on Sunday due to complications from Covid -19 sent shockwaves through South Africa.
His brother Johan Marx told the media that 79-year-old Franz had tested positive for Covid-19 in July of this year and had struggled with the long-term effects of coronavirus, commonly known as Long Covid.
On Sunday, tributes poured in on social media for the legendary artist with M-Net paying special tribute to him. They wrote: “We pay tribute to Franz Marx, a legend and pioneer in the South African film and television industry. Franz was a writer, actor, director, and producer who paved the way for many South African film and television creatives”.
“Our condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Franz was the creator of South Africa’s first soapie, Egoli Place of Gold. The first episode aired on 6 April 1992 and continued for 18 years in the popular M-Net Open Time timeslot.
In memory of Franz, the film Egoli – Afrikaners is plesierig was broadcast Sunday evening by M-Net.
RIP Franz Marx
