Riek was also a painter and had her own gallery, GaleRiek.
She was a Dutch stage, television and film actress well known for her role as housekeeper Saartje in the children's television series Swiebertje.
She made her debut in 1940 with the company of Albert van Dalsum 'Studio' in "Eindexamen" and, in addition to her work in the theater, from 1955 she participated in a particularly large number of television productions.
Riek Schagen came as a maid to Albert van Dalsum and received drama lessons from him.
Schagen designed costumes and in recent years also made a name for herself as a painter.