Leona Rich
Leona Rich (1954-2025) was an actress, radio presenter and teacher.
Also known as Leona Grobbelaar
Contents
Biography
Born Leona Rich on 8 September, 1954, on the farm Vlakfontein in the Aberdeen district, she studied drama at the University of Stellenbosch, as well as completing a teacher's qualification. After a period as stage actress, she began to focus on radio work for the SABC, as well as teaching in Cape Town and Johannesburg. She ended her working career as head of the Union Preparatory School in Graaff Reinet, retiring in 2019.
She was married to Koos Grobbelaar, and the couple had two sons. She passed away on December, 2025.
Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance
As stage actress she appeared in a number of productions while studying at Stellenbosch, including Die Sterkere (Universiteitsteater Stellenbosch, 1975), Kanna hy kô hystoe (Universiteitsteater Stellenbosch, 1975), Die Mal Vrou van Chaillot Universiteitsteater Stellenbosch, 1977) and Bruid in die Môre (Libertas Teaterklub, Stellenbosch, 1977),
As a vocal artist and actress she became a well known voice in numerous radio dramas and dubbed TV work, notably remembered for her role as narrator of the stories about Gobbolino the cat in the Storieman radio series.
Sources
Marelize Barnard. 2025. Veteraan-aktrise, stemkunstenaar en oudskoolhoof oorlede", Die Burger, 29 December, 2025: p.5. [1]
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