On Monday morning, the family of acclaimed South African actress Shaleen Surtie Richards confirms that the 66-year-old has died.
The legendary performer is best known for her television roles on Generations, 7de Laan and Egoli, Place of Gold, as well as for playing FIela in the film Fiela se kind.
It is not yet clear how Surtie Richards died, although it is understood that the woman who played the iconic role of Nenna on Egoli had long suffered from Diabetes.
Her family are expected to release a statement shortly, with EWN having announced the tragic news earlier on monday.
Before her life as a star of stage and screen, Surtie-Richards qualified as a kindergarten teacher, teaching in Upington and Cape Town between 1974 and 1984.
She was later cast in a host of amateur stage productions between 1974 and 1981 and was also active in productions of the South African Department of Education’s Theatre-in-Education from 1982 to 1984.
She launched her professional acting career in 1984.
Tributes have already begun ouring in for Shaleen Surtie Richards on social media.
Ugh man, what a talent. I absolutely loved her! She was full of life and I adored her acting, it felt like I knew her personally. Rest easy Queen ❤️👑 #RIPShaleenSurtieRichards pic.twitter.com/gupTgvQXot
— Zama Khumalo (@Ms_ViVaCi0us) June 7, 2021
We have lost an icon. #RIPShaleenSurtieRichards 🕊️ https://t.co/J7BggrcLAJ
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) June 7, 2021
This is so sad guyz mag jou siel in vrede rus Auntie Shaleen 😭💔
Her last tiktok vid⬇️#RIPShaleenSurtieRichards pic.twitter.com/iiTPOHtsZY
— ❤️🏳️🌈Bhut-Sisi🏳️🌈❤️ (@Madam__E95) June 7, 2021