Savvy Navigator posted on August 11, 2009 05:58
For those of you who have traveled on a Savvy Navigator gay tour to South Africa, a trip highlight was always the Cape Town dinner with local historian, actor and raconteur, Guy Willoughby.
This morning, we received word that Guy passed away today, and this saddens us greatly.
Over the past several years, Guy entertained and regaled our travelers with his insightful take on the history of South Africa, as well as the gay history of the country. An evening with Guy was always interesting and fun, and one never knew what to expect. I, Jeff, honestly believe that my own knowledge of Southern Africa history is based on the evenings spent with Guy.
Guy was truly a savvy friend, whose presence made the Savvy Navigator tour different from any other. He will be greatly missed.
Here’s his Cape Times obituary:
Cape Town - Actor, director, playwright and entertainment writer Guy Willoughby died on Tuesday of Aids-related complications, after being ill for some time.
"We've lost a great actor. He was brave and clear-sighted to the end," ex-wife Finuala Dowling told News24. "He's been sick for a while and it was a relief to speak to him about his illness and approaching death."
His death was met with shock and great sadness in the industry.
"Guy was extremely witty and wit rather than farce made him laugh. I remember him having an incredible turn of phrase," actor Anthea Thompson told News24.
She said that Willoughby was a comedian who displayed passion and creativity in his work.
Passionate and driven
"I saw a stand-up that he wrote and his work was topical and he would also look at the funny side of things - that make ordinary people laugh. He was a passionate and driven man and the range of his work was incredible."
"Of course his creativity rubbed off on those around him. I played opposite him in a play (African Star) that he wrote and he was hands on and incredibly on the go."
However, she added that Willoughby was demanding of himself in the work that he did.
"Guy was a hard task master and was very hard on himself; he always wanted the best, but I never saw him shout at somebody because they weren't doing something exactly the way he wanted."
Willoughby, renowned in entertainment and media circles, also wrote for newspapers around the country, including the Mail & Guardian, Sunday Times and Cape Times.