The world of cinema has lost a true icon as Connie Chiume, beloved for her roles in the Black Panther series, passes away at 72 .
Tragically, the death of the iconic Black Panther actress was confirmed by her loved ones. She passed away on Tuesday afternoon at a hospital in Johannesburg.
Renowned across South Africa and much celebrated for her artistic prowess , Chiume graced screens in popular local TV series such as Rhythm City, Zone 14, and Gomora. Her son Nongelo, speaking to Newzroom Afrika, revealed that his mother had been hospitalized for a "medial procedure" just before her passing.
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During this mournful time, the family has requested their right to privacy and indicated that further information will be provided later. Not only was Chiume recognized for her compelling portrayal of Mining Tribe Elder Zawavari in the blockbuster hit Black Panther but also as its sequel's Wakandan Elder Statesmana role previously held by Forest Whitaker as Zuri.
Moreover, her talent shone through in Beyonce's 2020 musical film, Black is King.
In their poignant Instagram announcement, Chiume's relatives shared the following statement: "The Chiume Family regrets to inform you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed award-winning actress Connie Chiume. Connie Chiume, 72, passed on at Garden City Hospital today on 6 August 2024. The Family asks for privacy during this difficult period. The family will communicate further details."
In 2022, Chiume opened up on the MacG Podcast about her legacy, stating: "I have impacted each and every person in a different way. Whatever way I have impacted you, remember me that way."
The South African government paid tribute to the multi-award-winning actress Connie Chiume after her passing, expressing: "Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of multi-award winning and legendary actress Connie Chiume. Her outstanding work will always be remembered."
Born into a large family as the fifth of nine children in Welkom, South Africa, in 1952, Chiume initially pursued nursing before obtaining a teaching degree in 1976. She ventured abroad to Greece in 1977, where she honed her acting skills in the musical Sola Sola.
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Chiume's acting career took a significant turn in 1989 when she secured a role in the South African TV series Inkom' Edla Yodwa. Her talent was recognized with an NTVA Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for Soul City in 2000, and in 2009, she earned a SAFTA for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for her portrayal of Stella Moloi in Zone 14.
In 2015, she graced the screens in the hit soap opera Rhythm City, portraying Mamokete Khuse. Fast forward to 2022, the star candidly confessed her initial cluelessness about the magnitude of the Marvel blockbuster Black Panther.
Opening up to South Africa's Sunday Times, Chiume shared, "I went to an audition not knowing what I was auditioning for. I went there and I was given a piece that I was supposed to do. I could see that this person is an African who was addressing the nation. I wore my African regalia, I learnt my lines. I did my best."
Chiume was married to Jerry Mabuza from 1985 until 2004, and her legacy continues through her two sons and two daughters.
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