South African actress Connie Chiume, best known in the United States for her appearances in Marvel's “Black Panther” films, has died at age 72.
Chiume's family announced his death on Instagram, saying he died on Tuesday in a Johannesburg hospital.
“The Chiume family regrets to inform you of the passing of internationally acclaimed, award-winning actress Connie Chiume,” the statement read. “Connie Chiume, 72, passed away at Garden City Hospital. … The family asks for privacy during this difficult time.”
Chiume was a long-standing South African actress who gained fame after the end of apartheid with the popular television series “Inkom' Edla Yodwa” and the soap opera “Rhythm City”. She appeared in multiple television shows and films, both in the drama and comedy genres. Her performances earned her major South African film and television awards.
Chiume was born in Welkom, South Africa, on June 5, 1952, the fifth of nine children. She is said to have trained as a nurse and worked as a teacher before becoming an artist. In the late 1970s, she moved to Greece to join the cast of the musical “Sola Sola.”
In 2022, she reflected on her career and the changes in the South African film industry.
“When I started, there wasn’t even a TV channel for black people,” Chiume told News24. “There has been progress in that regard and the money we were making then is much, much better now. But there is still a lot we can do to change the landscape.”
The actress gained notoriety in Hollywood for her role as the elder of the Zawavari mining tribe in Marvel's “Black Panther.”
Chuime told South Africa's Sunday Times that when he auditioned for “Black Panther,” he didn't realize what he was getting into.
“I went to an audition without knowing what I was auditioning for,” Chuime said. “I went there and they gave me a piece that I was supposed to perform. I could see that this person was an African addressing the nation. I put on my African attire, I learned my lines. I did the best I could.”
The role was small, but she told News24 that by starring alongside Michael B. Jordan, Angela Bassett and other Hollywood superstars, she had earned the recognition she dreamed of.
The film, which was released in 2018, broke several box office records and became the highest-grossing film directed by a black filmmaker.
Chiume later reprised her role for the sequel, “Wakanda Forever,” in 2022.
The actor also appeared in Beyoncé’s visual album, “Black Is King,” based on “The Lion King,” in which he played Simba’s mother, Sarabi.
Her most recent roles were in South African Netflix productions, the film “Heart of the Hunter,” which was released earlier this year, and the series “Soon Comes Night” in February.
Chiume is survived by her three children and five grandchildren.
