Shaleen was born in Upington on 7 May 1955 and schooled both there and in Cape-Town.
Qualifying as a kindergarden teacher, she taught in both cities between 1974 and 1984
Shaleen took many roles in several amateur stage productions between 1974 and 1981 and was also active in productions of the Department of Education’s Theatre-in-Education from 1982 - 1984.
Shaleen became a professional actress in 1984 and has become very well-known through her appearances on stage, television and films.
Her stage work over the last 30 years includes well-known productions by some of the country’s leading directors. She has been seen on stage in all the main centers of the country, as well as London, and has participated in both the Grahamstown and Edinburgh Festivals.
Her many TV appearances include single dramas and series, as well as a program presenter. She also works on radio as narrator or actress.
Shaleen’s awards as best actress started as far back as 1978 when she was still an amateur and since then she wins top awards virtually annually for her work.
She
was recently awarded as the Afri-koon for ATKV and then as the Health Ambassador
for the Northern Cape. In total she now has a staggering 28 awards.