Acclaimed South African actress Connie Chiume, known for her role in Marvel’s “Black Panther” series, has died at the age of 72. Her family, who confirmed her death on Instagram, stated that Chiume passed away on August 6, 2024, at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Connie’s son Nongelo Chiume revealed that she had been hospitalized for a medical procedure. “She was recovering well, but unfortunately today we caught the news of her passing,” he said. The family did not share the specific details of her death but promised to provide updates when available.
Born in Welkom, South Africa, on June 5, 1952, Chiume had an expansive career in acting that spanned multiple decades. Originally a teacher, she shifted to acting in the 1970s, beginning with roles in theater productions such as “Porgy and Bess” and “Little Shop of Horrors,” as reported in her career overview.
Chiume gained prominence in South Africa with her performances in television dramas like “Zone 14” and “Soul City.” Her role as Stella Moloi in “Zone 14” won her the South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Supporting Actress in 2009. Over the years, she became a cherished figure in the South African entertainment industry and garnered multiple awards and nominations.
In 2018, Chiume’s career took a significant leap when she joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing Zawavari, a tribal leader in the fictional African nation of Wakanda, in “Black Panther.” The film was hailed for its representation of African culture and its predominantly Black cast. She reprised her role in the sequel, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” in 2022.
After the release of the first film, Chiume mentioned in an interview with IOL how inspiring it was to be directed by Ryan Coogler in the production.
Beyond South Africa and the Marvel Universe, Chiume’s talent extended to international projects. She featured in Beyoncé’s 2020 visual album “Black Is King,” playing Sarabi, Simba’s mother, further establishing herself as a versatile and globally acknowledged actress.
Chiume’s impressive work earned her several honors, including multiple SAFTAs and the prestigious Living Legend award at the inaugural Cultural and Creative Industry Awards in March 2023. Gayton McKenzie, the South African Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture who presented the award, lauded Chiume for her performances that brought “joy, inspiration, and a sense of pride to countless South Africans.”
The South African government paid their respects to Chiume on social media, posting a message of condolence on platform X.
News of her death has sparked a flood of tributes from fans and peers, many applauding her talent, altruism, and the enduring influence of her work.
Connie Chiume leaves behind four children. Her legacy in the entertainment industry, both in South Africa and internationally, stands as a symbol of fortitude, resilience, and elegance.
