Veteran South African actor Connie Chiume, who starred in the Marvel movie “Black Panther,” has died at the age of 72, her family announced.
The award-winning actress has starred in several South African television shows including Rhythm City, District 14 and most recently Gomorrah.
Chumei was a teacher by training but became a household name on mainstream television.
She died in a Johannesburg hospital on Tuesday afternoon. brief family statement explain.
“The Chiume family regrets to inform you of the passing of internationally renowned and award-winning actress Connie Chiume,” the statement said.
The family has requested privacy during this difficult time and said further details will be announced at a later date.
her son Nungolo Chume Tell TV broadcaster Newzroom Afrika She underwent “medical procedures” before her death.
Chiume graced South African television for decades with shows such as Rhythm City, and the country’s public broadcaster SABC News described her as a “beacon of hope” in a tribute.
She became an actress in 1989 with her role in the popular South African television series Inkom’ Edla Yodwa.
In the 2018 Black Panther film, Chiume played Zawavari, a member of the Wakanda Tribal Council. In the 2022 sequel Black Panther: Waganda Forever, she replaces Zuri (Forest Whitaker) as Wakanda’s patriarch.
She also received critical acclaim for her performance in Beyoncé’s Disney musical adaptation of The Lion King, in which she played Simba’s mother Sarabi.
Her most recent role was in “Hunter’s Heart,” which was released earlier this year, and she also starred in the TV series “There Will Come Night” in February.
Chiume has received several awards, including the NTVA Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series in 2000 for her role in Soul City.
Later in 2009, she won the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Stella Moloi in the family drama District 14.
She was born in Welkom, Free State, to a Malawian father and a Zulu mother. She trained as a nurse but eventually became a teacher.
In 2022, she Tell MacG Podcast She wants people to remember her the way they choose.
“I affect everyone in a different way. No matter how I affect you, please remember me.
Tributes have poured in for her on social media, with some fans describing her as a versatile actress who played a variety of roles on South African television.
The South African government ‘will always remember her outstanding work’ Posted on X.
She left behind four children–two sons and two daughters.
