Actress Charlbi Dean has died age 32 following 'sudden illness'

Actress Charlbi Dean has died at the age of 32 after becoming ill with a sudden, unexpected illness.

The Black Lightening actress sadly passed away on 29 August, but an exact cause of death has not been confirmed.

Her representatives said her death in hospital was 'devastating'.

Charlbi had a leading role opposite Woody Harrelson in dark comedy, Triangle of Sadness, which won the top prize at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

Charlbi’s partner Luke Volker recently wrote on social media about how proud he was of his girlfriend.

Alongside a photo of Charlbi at the premiere, he wrote: “3 years later!! Against all odds, almost impossible obstacles, they pulled it off!

"The film is a masterpiece from top to bottom everyone did a spectacularly job getting it done. I couldn’t be more proud of you my love.”

Speaking about the film herself before it won the prestigious award, Charlbi told the Associated Press: "For me, I'm like, I've already won. I'm already at Cannes with the movie. That's so unbelievable. Anything is just a cherry on top at this point for me."

Charlbi was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, and became a childhood model before making her film debut in the 2010 movie Spud, also starring Troye Sivan and John Cleese.

She also appeared in films including Death Race 3: Inferno, Blood in the Water, Don't Sleep and Porthole.

In 2008, Charlbi survived a car crash that left her with a broken wrist, four broken ribs, a broken elbow and a collapsed lung.

Tributes have been flooding in for the star since the sad news was confirmed. One person wrote on social media: "Absolutely saddened to hear about Charlbi Dean’s passing... She’s so beautiful, talented, and so young. Only 32 years old and just wrapped a movie at Cannes. Gone too soon."

While film critic Guy Lodge wrote: “What a massive shock and tragedy.

“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 added: "Rest in peace dear Charlbi Dean. Sending all love and strength to family and friends."

Another fan wrote: "Rest in Peace beautiful. You didn’t know me but you were my big role model. Thank you for inspiring me."

Our thoughts are with Charlbi's loved ones.