Shaleen Surtie-Richards lauded as ‘talented, wonderful’ actress
The South African television and film industry has lauded the skill of legendary actress Shaleen Surtie-Richards.
The country woke up to the news of her passing on Monday morning.
The legendary performer is best known for her television roles on shows such as 'Generations', '7de Laan' and 'Egoli', as well as for playing Fiela in the film 'Fiela se Kind'.
She was 66-years-old.
Family spokesperson, Alister Izobel says while her passing is sad, the industry also now has the opportunity to celebrate work.
“Today the family of Shaleen did not only find themselves sad, but hold hands with her acting fraternity and all those she had encountered or just had a conversation with her, actors, musicals, writers, directors, producers, channels of networks television networks all salute her work and hold her dear in our memories for the contribution in the South African acting industry.
“We salute, remember and celebrate her today,” says Izobel.
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Film critic Leon van Nierop has described her as a friendly and talented actress.
“Shaleen was larger than life itself, she had beautiful warn personality and whenever you see her you would just want to hug her, I wrote a part for her in Egoli and we sometimes just said some jokes and laughed, she was also known for her love for her adopted son Benjamin, she was a fine actress who could act in any part, from comedy to very serious parts.
“We are so sad to hear about her passing and, even though I haven’t seen her in the past three years, was literally sad to hear of her passing.
“The woman was just a wonderful person, usually when people die good things are said about them but Shaleen was truly a wonderful person,” says Van Nierop.
