A familiar face from one of the most iconic shows of the ’90s is gone, and fans are remembering a true powerhouse.
Lize Van der Walt, best known to audiences as “Gold” on the hit sports entertainment series Gladiators, has died at the age of 60.
Born in South Africa and raised in Switzerland, Van der Walt quickly stood out for her athletic ability, especially as a runner and climber. After later moving to the United Kingdom, she built a career as a personal trainer — but it was her friends who pushed her to take a chance that would change everything.
That chance? Auditioning for Gladiators.
When she made her debut in 1997, she instantly became a standout. Competing under the name “Gold,” Van der Walt captured attention with her strength, speed, and commanding presence, quickly turning into a fan favorite.
But her time on the show wasn’t without challenges. Persistent injuries began to take a toll, eventually forcing her to step away from the spotlight.
After leaving the series, she returned to South Africa and took her life in a completely new direction — becoming both an artist and a psychosocial coach, helping others navigate life’s emotional and mental challenges.
Still, her Gladiators story wasn’t quite finished.
In 2000, Van der Walt made a return to the arena, a moment that show representatives later described as a “proud full-circle moment” for both her and the program.
Years later, in 2013, she was diagnosed with cancer — a battle she would quietly face for more than a decade.
She passed away this past Sunday.
Following her death, the BBC shared a heartfelt tribute, thanking her for the memories and the impact she left behind.
“You will always be part of Gladiators history,” the broadcaster said.