Johannesburg – Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, has paid tribute to veteran actress Shaleen Surtie-Richards for delivering her performances with heart and soul.
Surtie-Richards passed away on Monday at the age of 66.
“Surtie-Richards invested her heart and soul into every character she portrayed. Her warmth and sense of humour were infectious and her talent won her international recognition,” Mthethwa said.
Born in Upington, Northern Cape, on 7 May 1955, Surtie-Richards was most famous for her roles such as ‘Mattie’ on SABC 1 Soapie Generations & ‘Nenna’ in the long-running M-Net hit series eGoli: Place of Gold.
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She received many awards during her decades-long career, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 Royalty Soapie Awards.
While Surtie-Richards was known for her extensive career in the performing arts, she qualified as a nursery school teacher and taught children before making her debut as an actress.
“We will remember her with great fondness for her iconic roles in hit films such as Fiela se Kind, Mama Jack, Treurgrond and Vaselinetjie. Most recently, she starred in the KykNet series, Arendsvlei. She turned every role she touched into an audio-visual masterpiece,” the Minister said.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has conveyed its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
Messages of condolences poured in all day on social media:
Film, TV and theatre actor, Shaleen Surtie Richards unequivocally put her heart and soul into every character she portrayed. Her passion for acting has earned her global recognition.@Brand_SA wishes to extend heartfelt condolences to her family, friends & colleagues. 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/h8fZkHQbzs
— @Brand_SA (@Brand_SA) June 7, 2021
Proudly SA joins the nation in mourning the passing of Shaleen Surtie-Richards, South African veteran television and theatre actress. Our commiserations to her family, friends, colleagues and fans. #RIPShaleenSurtieRichards pic.twitter.com/r9v5D5izUf
— Proudly South African (@ProudlySA) June 7, 2021
We mourn the loss of a legend of stage and screen, Shaleen Surtie-Richards (66). She will forever be remembered for iconic roles like Nenna in Egoli. She conquered hearts across the country with her Fleur du Cap-winning performance as Shirley Valentine. pic.twitter.com/XM2eujtEKY
— M-Net (@MNet) June 7, 2021
Rest in Peace Shaleen Surtie-Richards. Kind hearted, bubbly and honest. You were my rock every time I worked with you. I only have fond memories of you. True loss. God bless you my sister. Salute 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/q4SXAqda8h
— Fana Lehlohonolo Mokoena (@fanamokoena) June 7, 2021
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
South Africa has lost an icon. So sad to hear of the passing of Shaleen Surtie-Richards. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. 💔🕊 #RIPShaleenSurtieRichards pic.twitter.com/nmOKTZ4Kj0
— Ulrich Janse van Vuuren (@UlrichJvV) June 7, 2021
RIP:
Legendary TV, film and theatre actor, Shaleen Surtie Richards has died.
She was 66 years old. #RIPShaleenSurtieRichards pic.twitter.com/0ruuRnNGm6
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) June 7, 2021
My tribute to the great Shaleen Surtie-Richards who sadly passed away at the young age of 66. Did this drawing for Cosmopolitan 29 years ago. Shaleen brought “Egoli” alive with engaging warmth and humour. We loved her. The talented Shona Bagley wrote the story. pic.twitter.com/JPpaRHmWkm
— David Shapiro (@davidshapiro61) June 7, 2021
Sending our deepest condolences to the family and friends of veteran theatre, television & film actress, Shaleen Surtie-Richards.#RIPShaleenSurtieRichards pic.twitter.com/VeOnWOm4IT
— DA Gauteng (@DA_GPL) June 7, 2021
Deepest condolences to the family & friends of Shaleen Surtie-Richards. We are poorer without your work in our screens ! Thank you for your contribution to the Entertainment industry #RIPShaleenSurtieRichards pic.twitter.com/TgvMQjkw1c
— phumla williams (@mirriamp) June 7, 2021
To a queen within our industry we bid farewell. Shaleen Surtie-Richards has sadly passed on.
Our hearts are heavy and our prayers with her loved ones.
Rest in Power Queen ❤️ pic.twitter.com/brBor9G5qU
— IG: BlackBrain_sa (@BlackBrainSA) June 7, 2021
We are deeply saddened of the passing of Shaleen Surtie Richards. #RIPShaleenSurtieRichards
You will be missed by all who loved & appreciated your talent. #LoveSATalent pic.twitter.com/VXELKTiyIM
— Mall Of Africa (@TheMallOfAfrica) June 7, 2021
– SAnews.gov.za
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