Veteran Black Panther Actress Connie Chiuma Passes Away At 72 years Old

legedary South African actress Connie Chiume,well known on the international stage for her roles in Marvel’s Black Panther films and Beyoncé’s Black Is King, has died aged 72. 

According to reports from her family Chiume passed away yesterday at the Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.

“The Chiume Family regrets to inform you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed award-winning actress Connie Chiume,” they wrote in a statement. “The family asks for privacy during this difficult period. The family will communicate further details.”  They said withouth disclosing the cause of  her death.

The South African government also mourned the veteran actress who brought so much pride to the nation  through an official tribute via X: “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.” b

Chiume was born on 5th June 1952, in Welkom, South Africa, the fifth of nine children. She trained as a nurse and it wasn’t until 1977 that she started her career as a performer, moving to Greece to join the cast of the musical 'Sola Sola'. 

She gained popularity amongst South African communities to her roles on Thembi in the series 'Inkom’ Edla Yodwa' in 1989 and as Mamokete Khuse in the South African soap opera 'Rhythm City'. 

She also acted as Zawavari, a Mining Tribe Elder, in 2018’s Oscar-winning film Black Panther – a role she reprised in the 2022 sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. 

Chiume also  took up the role of Simba’s mother Sarabi in Beyoncé’s Black Is King, a musical film interpreting the soundtrack album 'The Lion King: The Gift'. 

 She was honoured  in 2022 with South African Film and TV Awards’ lifetime achievement award for her many performances, which also saw her star in 'Zone 14', 'Soul City' and 'Gomora'