Tributes flood in for Surtie-Richards
TRIBUTES have flooded in for theatre legend Shaleen Surtie-Richards since news of her tragic and sudden passing broke yesterday.
Television, film and stage actress Surtie-Richards, 66, who had been staying in Cape Town while working on popular Afrikaans TV series Arendsvlei, was found dead in a guest house yesterday.
It has been reported that she had been dealing with health complications for many years after suffering a stroke and being diagnosed with diabetes.
Family spokesperson Alistair Izobell said Surtie-Richards, a former teacher, had lunch with her brother on Sunday and the two were supposed to go for Surtie-Richards’s Covid-19 vaccination today, which she was “super thrilled about”.
“The family is coping with the passing of Shaleen by virtue of the love that they are now tangibly experiencing of people who revered her. They are a very close-knit family and today encountered how much people loved Shaleen,” said Izobell.
“Her footprint on this planet is going to be celebrated for so long and most people who have encountered her will remember the effervescent, amazing, wonderful person she was – present in every moment that she spent with them,” he said.
Izobell said Surtie-Richards died peacefully of natural causes.
Memorial and funeral arrangements are to be announced soon.
Spokesperson for kykNET and M-Net Suzaan Keyter said Surtie-Richards had her last day of filming on Thursday last week but stayed on in Cape Town to spend time with family.
“We mourn the loss of a legend of stage and screen. She will forever be remembered for iconic roles like Nenna in Egoli and the role of Fiela Komoetie in Fiela se Kind.”
Surtie-Richards also conquered hearts across the country with her Fleur du Cap-winning performance as Shirley Valentine.
Artscape chief executive Marlene le Roux described Surtie-Richards as “much more than a mere icon”.
“I am thinking carefully about the word icon. Many people use the word willy-nilly, without thinking carefully about its meaning.
“Even a dictionary definition will fall short of giving the exact meaning when it comes to someone like Surtie-Richards. I even struggle with a proper connection of the word with the personality that is Shaleen.
“Shaleen was so much more than a mere icon. She literally lit up the stages at Artscape with her big, legendary presence, as one of the biggest names in the arts.
“She is so much more than the accolades and the awards she won over the years. She is more than a popular actress. She is one of the most beautiful souls I knew, and one that opened doors for other underprivileged artists to follow their hearts.
“We, at Artscape, will miss her talent and her big personality tremendously. Rest in peace, my friend,” said Le Roux.
Surtie-Richards’s talent management company, Elysian Management, said her passing was a major loss.
“We ask that during this time the family and friends be given an opportunity to process this sad news. We will give out further details as we find out more information. Please allow us the opportunity to inform all the relevant parties,” a statement read.
Acting peers also reflected on the works and personality of Surtie-Richards.
Jawaahier Petersen wrote: “It was her strides, her undeniable talent and unapologetic determination to have her work be the vehicle of change that so many actors of colour have the opportunities we have today. We stand proudly on your shoulders. Rest in eternal peace.”
Jill Jazz Levenberg said the actress would be sorely missed. “My heart is so sad … You will be so missed. Thank you for all that you came to do here … you will always be a legend and a queen in my heart and to South Africa. Love you always. Rus sag, mamma (rest peacefully, mama),” wrote Levenberg.