Charlbi Dean, ‘Triangle of Sadness’ and ‘Black Lightning’ Star, Dead at 32

By Samantha Nungesser @samjnungesser
Published Aug. 30, 2022, 1:55 p.m. ET

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Charlbi Dean

Charlbi Dean, who was expected to be the next breakout actress for her role in Triangle of Sadness, has died. She was 32.

According to Deadline, the South African model and actress passed away in New York City on Monday (Aug. 29) from a sudden, unexpected illness.

Most recently, Dean starred opposite Woody Harrelson in the satirical dark comedy, Triangle of Sadness, which follows rich people on a ship who end up trapped on an island. The actress plays Yaya, a model and guest onboard the yacht before things go awry. The movie, which is set to play at the 2022 Toronto Film Festival and the 2022 New York Film Festival, will open in theaters on Oct. 7.

Dean celebrated Triangle of Sadness winning the Palme d’Or, the most prestigious award given at the Cannes Film Festival, in an Instagram post, writing, “Congratulations our family we did it!!! @ruben_ostlund you’re the GOAT. I’m forever thankful for you for trusting me to be apart of your genius and my dear @sinaostlund.”

She continued, “Can’t believe I had the best year making this during one of the hardest times in my life…Forever and always our @triangleofsadness family.”

Born in Cape Town, Dean got her start in modeling at age six before going on to star in the Spud movies, starring Troye Sivan, in her early twenties. She was later featured in two seasons of the CW series, Black Lightning, as recurring character Syonide. Other credits include Death Race 3: Inferno, Don’t Sleep, and An Interview with God.

Shortly after the news of her passing broke, tributes from fans began pouring in.

“What a massive shock and tragedy,” one wrote. “She’s so witty and deadpan and clockwork-precise in Triangle of Sadness, and I was so excited to see a new South African talent on the international scene. My thoughts are with all her loved ones and collaborators.”

Another said, “This is absolutely devastating. Charlbi Dean was such an exciting performer to me after seeing her in Triangle of Sadness. Her work had a vulnerability and intellect a lesser actor would have denied the character. A true talent and sending love to her family.”

“Charlbi Dean was a genuinely lovely person whose talent and warmth the world was about to discover,” a third posted, adding that they are “beyond sad to read this.”