Renowned South African TV, film and theatre actress, Shaleen Surtie-Richards, has died. She was 66.
Channel24 quoted Netwerk24 as saying Surtie-Richards was found dead in a guest house in Cape Town on Monday, June 7.
“She’s been struggling with her health lately. She’s had complications with her lungs and has struggled to breathe, but the cause of her death is not yet known. She was in Cape Town to film scenes for the KyNET telenovela, Arendsvlei,” actress Lizz Meiring said, according to the report.
BREAKING NEWS: Legendary TV, film and theatre actor, Shaleen Surtie Richards has passed away. pic.twitter.com/4w2vbJW6EW
— The Republic Mail (@RepublicMail) June 7, 2021
Surtie-Richards will be remembered for her roles in soapies such as Generations, eGoli, and the iconic Afrikaans film, Fiela se kind (child).
She received many awards during her long career, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 Royalty Soapie Awards.
Meanwhile, tributes have been pouring in all over social media as the film industry mourns the loss of a national treasure.
RIP Auntie Shaleen Surtie-Richards ?? Met her in 2017 and it was one of the most delightful radio interviews I’ve ever been a part of. Her magic was undeniable. pic.twitter.com/WLtiycE5U6
— Sibongile Mafu (@sboshmafu) June 7, 2021
A national treasure has passed, a TV legend. Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Shaleen Surtie Richards. May she Rest in Peace. ??? https://t.co/KzAjU14HaF
— Simon Grindrod (@SimonPGrindrod) June 7, 2021
Heartbreaking. Shaleen Surtie Richards has passed away. Incredibly sad day in South Africa today. Thoughts and prayers with all her family and friends. pic.twitter.com/WXqpXozQEJ
— Brent Lindeque (@BrentLindeque) June 7, 2021
Shaleen Surtie Richards. Where does one even begin. She was part of every weekday meal in our household. Her talent unmatched. The warmth and love she exuded was infectious, all with the most wicked sense of humour. What a loss. ✝️ RIP
— Rob Vember (@Rob_Vember) June 7, 2021
Shaleen Surtie Richards. Where does one even begin. She was part of every weekday meal in our household. Her talent unmatched. The warmth and love she exuded was infectious, all with the most wicked sense of humour. What a loss. ✝️ RIP
— Rob Vember (@Rob_Vember) June 7, 2021
En so sê ons totsiens aan nog ʼn legende. Ons wens Shaleen Surtie-Richards se familie en vriende baie sterkte toe gedurende hierdie moeilike tyd. Mag sy in vrede rus. ??? pic.twitter.com/DTvnFuWFgN
— Stellenbosch Municipality ? (@StellMun) June 7, 2021
So hartseer om die nuus te kry dat ‘n veteraan van ons kunste-bedryf, Shaleen Surtie-Richards huistoe is.
In volksmond sal sy altyd onthou word as Nenna van Egoli maar die ikoon was soveel meer as een karakter.
Haar lag en sê-goedjies sal gemis word.
Rus sag Shaleen?— Earl-Ryan September (@earlseptember) June 7, 2021
Neeeeeeeee ?????
Dis verskriklike hartseer nuus ???
Wat ń ongelooflike aktrise Shaleen Surtie-Richards ❤❤❤❤#RIVShaleen ???? pic.twitter.com/BKDaJnK79t— Wilna Rossouw (@WilnaIce) June 7, 2021
Picture: Twitter/@BuzzLifenews