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Black Panther Actress, Connie Chiume, Dies At 72

By Odunmorayo Oke

07 August 2024   |   7:15 pm

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Connie Chiume, the popular South African actress and filmmaker who appeared in two Marvel Cinematic Universe films, has died at the age of 72. Her family confirmed her passing in a statement shared on her Instagram page. Chiume died on Tuesday at the Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg after a period of illness, her family…

Connie Chiume, the popular South African actress and filmmaker who appeared in two Marvel Cinematic Universe films, has died at the age of 72. Her family confirmed her passing in a statement shared on her Instagram page.

Chiume died on Tuesday at the Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg after a period of illness, her family said. She was best known for her roles as Zawavari, a former leader of the Mining group, in the 2018 hit film Black Panther, and as a Wakanda elder in the 2022 sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

“Her children would like to express their deep appreciation to the doctors and nursing staff who provided exceptional care during her stay,” the family’s statement read. They also thanked Chiume’s fans for the “messages of support and condolences during this difficult time.”

Connie Chiume’s career

Chiume’s career spanned decades in South African television and film. In addition to her Marvel roles, she appeared in the local series Gomora, Seriously Single, and Queen Sono. Additionally, she won a South African Film and Television Award (Safta) for best supporting actress for her work on the series Zone 14 in 2009.

The release of Black Panther in 2018 was a historical moment in the film industry. It was the first superhero movie ever nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film, starring the late Chadwick Boseman as the protagonist hero T’Challa, grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide.

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Chiume’s co-stars and industry colleagues paid tribute to the beloved actress on social media. Fellow South African actress Connie Ferguson wrote, “Not sure I’m processing this! Rest in peace my love. My deepest condolences to the Chiume family and friends. Wow!!!”

Director Mmabatho Montsho said, “Oh no Mama! Condolences to family and all loved ones.” Chiume’s passing is a profound loss for the South African arts community and her many fans around the world.