Shaleen Surtie-Richards was a South African actress, singer, and presenter. She was born on May 7, 1955, in Upington, Northern Cape, South Africa, and passed away on June 7, 2021, in Cape Town, South Africa.

Surtie-Richards was a renowned actress in South Africa, best known for her performances in television dramas, films, and stage productions. She began her career in the late 1970s and went on to become one of the country's most beloved and respected actresses.

Some of her most notable roles include Fiela in the film "Fiela se Kind" (Fiela's Child), Nenna in the television drama "Egoli: Place of Gold," and Auntie Huismans in the Afrikaans comedy series "Susters." She also appeared in numerous stage productions, including "Shirley Valentine" and "Mama Mia."

Surtie-Richards received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including six South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) and a lifetime achievement award from the National Arts Festival in 2014. She was also a UNICEF goodwill ambassador for South Africa.

Surtie-Richards was widely regarded as a cultural icon in South Africa and her passing was deeply mourned by fans and colleagues alike.