Senegalese Actress Halima Gadji, Star of Maîtresse d’un homme marié, Dies at 36

PARIS, France — January 29, 2026 — Updated 14:30 GMT — Halima Gadji , a prominent Senegalese actress and cultural figure known for her breakthrough role in the television series Maîtresse d’un homme marié (Mistress of a Married Man), has died at age 36 after a sudden illness in Paris, Senegal’s Press Agency (APS) and multiple local media outlets confirmed late Monday. Her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, industry peers, diplomats, and cultural institutions across Africa.

Gadji — born in Dakar in 1989 to a Senegalese father and a Moroccan-Algerian mother — first gained widespread attention as a model in her teens before transitioning to acting, where she became a leading figure in Senegalese television and on francophone screens across the continent. She also worked as a fashion consultant, entrepreneur, and vocal advocate on social and cultural issues.

Senegal’s Ministry of Culture, Handicrafts and Tourism issued an official statement acknowledging Gadji’s artistic contributions, calling her “a committed and passionate woman who brought sensitivity and depth to her characters, helping expand African storytelling on screen.” The ministry extended “deepest condolences” to her family and to the nation, underscoring her impact on Senegalese arts.

Reactions

Fans and cultural commentators across West Africa expressed shock and grief. In Dakar, tributes flooded social media, with admirers recalling how Gadji’s performances resonated deeply with audiences and opened dialogues on societal issues. “When she acted, you felt both strength and vulnerability — she made stories feel real,” one Dakar resident told Africanews.

Diplomat Souleymane Jules Diop, Senegal’s ambassador to UNESCO and chair of the Group of African Ambassadors there, emphasised her broader cultural significance. He said her work elevated Senegalese television and represented national pride on the global stage, even among colleagues unfamiliar with West African screen productions.

Gadji’s most recognised television role — as Marième Dial in Maîtresse d’un homme marié — drew wide audiences and sparked conversation by portraying complex, modern African women navigating social expectations. The series was broadcast in multiple francophone markets and became a touchstone of contemporary African TV drama.

Her career symbolised the increasing influence of African audiovisual content beyond local markets, as regional productions find broader platforms and diaspora viewership. Gadji’s role in Nouvelle Reine casting calls just hours before her death highlighted her ongoing engagement with emerging talent and the evolution of African screen narratives.

The news of her death has renewed calls within Senegal’s creative community for stronger support for artists’ welfare, health resources, and recognition systems to preserve cultural legacies.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in Dakar; Senegalese cultural bodies have indicated plans for posthumous honours recognising her contributions to film and television. Colleagues and producers have also signalled intentions to establish memorial showcases of her work during upcoming African film festivals.