‘Black Panther’ actress Connie Chiume passes away at 72

Connie Chiume, a well-known South African actress who appeared in Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, died at the age of 72.

Chiume died on Tuesday at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg, her family confirmed via Instagram. The cause of death was not disclosed.

The family’s statement read, “We regret to inform you of the passing of our beloved Connie Chiume. We ask for privacy during this difficult time and will share further details soon.”

Chiume was born on June 5, 1952, in Welkom, South Africa, and began her career as a nurse and teacher before moving on to acting in 1977. She first garnered popularity in Greece with the musical Sola Sola. In South Africa, she rose to prominence after appearing in the 1989 television series Inkom’ Edla Yodwa.

Chiume played Mamokete Khuse in Rhythm City and appeared in a number of other films, including Warriors from Hell, The Line, I Dreamed of Africa, Yizo Yizo, and Zone 14.

She was a Mining Tribe Elder in Black Panther (2018) and will return for the 2022 sequel. Chiume was also featured in Beyoncé’s Black Is King.

Chiume has won various honors in her career, including the NTVA Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for Soul City in 2000 and the SAFTA for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for Zone 14 in 2009.