Legendary actress, Shaleen Surtie-Richards, died aged 66

Legendary actress, Shaleen Surtie-Richards has died.

The 66-year-old passed away in her Johannesburg home on Monday.

Surtie-Richards management, Elysian Management took to social media to announce the stalwarts passing: ‘’We will give further details as we find out more information. Please allow us the opportunity to inform all the relevant parties. This is a major loss to the television and film industry … She was and still remains an icon. Our condolences to her family, friends and fans RIP Shaleen.’’

Hailing from Upington in the Northern Cape, Surtie-Richards was a talented actor, who won hearts country-wide for her role as Ester “Nenna” Willemse in the soapie Egoli.

Her film role as Fiela in the acclaimed Fiela se Kind cemented her place in acting history.

Shaleen also brought her versatility to the stage, and she performed in various plays, including the one-woman Shirley Valentine for which she won a Fleur de Cap award. She performed on stages locally and international and made important contributions to local arts festivals such as the Suidoosterfees, KKNK and the Grahamstown festival.

The Western Cape’s Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Anroux Marais, sent her condolences.

“Shaleen was the embodiment of the story of so many people in our country. She faced many difficulties as a young actor who started her career in the apartheid era, but whose love for her craft drove her to rise above all the obstacles in her path. Her talent and commitment to acting were clear in all that she did and she was beloved by the people of South Africa for the warm and endearing characters she brought to life on our screens and stages”.

The cause of death is still unknown at this stage.

 

Done By: Mitchum George