RIP Ian von Memerty: Handful of Keys co-star shares video tribute
· The South African
Ian von Memerty’s Handful of Keys co-star Bryan Schimmel has shared a touching tribute in the wake of his death.
The veteran TV and theatre star ended his life a week ago – via “self-deliverance” – at a Joburg hotel.
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Ian advocated for individuals to be able to choose how and when they died. He leaves behind a wife, Vivienne, and their two children, Oscar and Katsvia.
IAN VON MEMERTY: HANDFUL OF KEYS CO-STAR PAYS TRIBUTE
On his Facebook account, Bryan Schimmel – who shared the stage with Ian von Memerty in their popular two-man piano show, Handful of Keys – shared a touching tribute to the late industry veteran.
Bryan posted a clip of the duo in action at hundreds of shows over the years, as well as several newspaper clippings praising their production.
The show first kicked off 32 years ago, with an initial six-week run planned. Both Ian and Bryan – the original creators of the production – were blown away by the overwhelming reception from the public. Handful of Keys went on to become one of the greatest critical and box office successes in South African theatre history.
RIP Ian von Memerty.Image via Facebook
Bryan shared: “The two years and 350 performances that I played this show remain two of the most gratifying and memorable years of my life.
“We captured lightning in a bottle and created something quite magical”.
Bryan captioned the video: “The footage is grainy, the audio is glitchy. The memories, however, are crystal clear. Rest in Peace, Ian”.
Handful of Keys continued in Bryan and Ian’s absence, with other talented pianists like Roelof Colyn and James Smith later headlining the act.
MORE TRIBUTES FROM INDUSTRY COLLEAGUES
Tributes to Ian von Memerty continue to pour in from his industry colleagues.
Handful of Keys’s Roelof Colyn, who also shared the stage with Ian, shared a witty tribute about their experiences together.
He shared: “I will spend a ridiculous amount of time frowning about you, crying about you, swearing at you, wishing upon your wisdom or your wise lack thereof before even the smallest appearance, THE WIT, the surgical passive-aggressive shun, the sardonic, the abuse, and the care.
Here’s what other artists had to say about Ian von Memerty…
Singer Charl van Heyningen: “There is so much I can and want to say, but I will suffice by simply saying rest in peace, my friend. Our bond was strong. The laughter was legion. You were a mentor, an advisor, a bosom friend. And that crazy talent of yours. And that brain. I miss you. I wish you wanted the help I could offer.”
Singer Zwai Bala: “Many laughs on set. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Ian. We salute you.”
Actor Frank Malaba: “You spoke openly about ageing, autonomy, and difficult questions around the end of life. Whether one agreed with you or not, you did not avoid complexity. That willingness to engage hard truths was part of your character. Where there was struggle, may there now be peace. Where there was weight, may there now be rest. We do not always know the private battles another carries behind the curtain. What we can do is honour the life, hold compassion, and care for those left behind. I am sad today.”
Photographer Liezel Steenkamp: “You were a great showman and performer and definitely made us think and talk… And even now, it will continue… I will not judge, as it is not mine to judge. Peace and love to your family. RIP Mr Ian von Memerty”