Connie Chiume, the South African actress known for her role in “Black Panther,” has passed away at the age of 72.
Chiume died on Tuesday at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her family announced the news on Instagram, though the cause of death has not been disclosed.
In a statement, the Chiume family expressed their sorrow: “The Chiume Family regrets to inform you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed award-winning actress Connie Chiume. The family asks for privacy during this difficult period and will communicate further details as they become available.”
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In a subsequent post, the family extended their gratitude for the support and condolences received: “Mam’ Connie passed away on August 6, 2024, at Garden City Hospital after a period of illness. Her children would like to express their deep appreciation to the doctors and nursing staff who provided exceptional care during her stay.”
They also noted that details regarding memorial and funeral services would be shared on Connie’s social media platforms as arrangements are made.
More on Connie Chiumes:
In the acclaimed 2018 film “Black Panther,” Chiume portrayed Zawavari, a former leader of the Mining Tribe, alongside the late Chadwick Boseman, who played T’Challa.
“Black Panther” achieved monumental success, grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of all time. The film was celebrated for its groundbreaking representation of Black culture and featured strong performances from its cast, including Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, and Michael B. Jordan.
The film received numerous accolades, including three Academy Awards for Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score, and was nominated for Best Picture, marking it as the first superhero film to receive such recognition. Its impact transcended box office success, igniting discussions about representation in Hollywood and inspiring a cultural movement.
In the 2022 sequel, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Chiume’s character evolved into a Wakanda elder and participated in the funeral passage for T’Challa.