South African film legend, Connie Chiume, who featured in Marvel film, “Black Panther, has died at the age of 72, her family has announced.
The iconic film star who graced South African TV for decades, reportedly died at a Johannesburg hospital, according to a statement published on social media by her family.
The announcement posted on Instagram on Tuesday reads:
“The Chiume family regrets to inform you of the passing of the International Acclaimed award winning actress Connie Chiume.
“Connie Chiume 72, passed on at Garden City Hospital today on the 6th August 2024. The family asks for privacy during this difficult period. The family will communicate further details.”
Chiume, who played tribal the role of a leader Zawavari in both “Black Panther” and its 2022 sequel, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” was a household name in her native South Africa.
She was a multi-award-winning actress who also starred in several South African TV shows including “Rhythm City”, “Zone 14” and most recently, popular TV series, “Gomora”.
Chiume was born in 1952 to a Malawian father and a South African Zulu mother, according to her profile on the website of her agency, MLA.
“Before embarking on a career in showbiz that spanned more than 45 years, she trained as a nurse and later worked as a teacher.
“Her first foray into the world of entertainment came in 1977 when she joined a musical show called “Sola Sola,” which toured Israel and Greece and went on to rack up a host of credits on both stage and screen.
“She rose to prominence as an actress in 1989 when she appeared in the popular South African television series “Inkom’ Edla Yodwa”.
“In the 2018 “Black Panther” film, Chiume starred as Zawavari – a member of the Wakandan Tribal Council. In the 2022 sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” she replaced Zuri (Forest Whitaker) as Wakanda’s Elder Statesman.
“She was also highly celebrated for her appearances in Beyoncé’s Disney musical film based on “The Lion King”, in which she played Simba’s mother, Sarabi.
“Her most recent role was in “Heart of the Hunter”, released earlier this year, and she also appeared in TV series “Soon Comes Night” in February.
Chiume was given several awards, including an NTVA Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Soul City in 2000.
Later in 2009, she received a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for her role as Stella Moloi in the family drama Zone 14.
Paying tribute to her on X, the South African government posted:
“Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of multi-award winning and legendary actress Connie Chiume. Her outstanding work will always be remembered. #RIPConnieChiume.”