Renowned South African actress Connie Chiume, who starred in the box office hits Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, has passed away at the age of 72.
Her family announced that she died on Tuesday at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg without disclosing the cause of her death.
“We regret to inform you of the passing of our beloved Connie Chiume. We ask for privacy during this difficult time and will share further details soon.” the family’s statement read.
Chiume was born on June 5, 1952, in Welkom, South Africa. She began her career as a nurse and educator before transitioning to acting in 1977.
While her initial recognition came from the Greek musical Sola Sola, she gained more prominence in South Africa for her role in the TV series Inkom’ Edla Yodwa.
Chiume is known for her portrayal of Mamokete Khuse in Rhythm City and has also appeared in various other productions, such as Warriors from Hell, The Line, I Dreamed of Africa, Yizo Yizo, and Zone 14.
In 2018, she played a Mining Tribe Elder in Black Panther and reprised her role in the 2022 sequel. She also appeared in Beyoncé’s Black Is King. Chiume received awards, including the NTVA Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for Soul City in 2000 and the SAFTA for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for Zone 14 in 2009.