Black Panther Actress Connie Chiume Passes Away at 72

Connie Chiume, the esteemed South African actress renowned for her roles in Black Panther and other notable productions, has died at the age of 72, her family announced. Chiume passed away on Tuesday afternoon at a Johannesburg hospital.
The announcement came through a brief statement from the Chiume family: “The Chiume family regrets to inform you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed award-winning actress Connie Chiume.” The family has requested privacy during this challenging time and indicated that further details would be provided later.
Nongelo Chiume, her son, shared with TV broadcaster Newzroom Afrika that his mother was undergoing a “medical procedure” prior to her death.
Chiume, who was also a trained teacher, made significant contributions to South African television with notable roles in series such as Rhythm City, Zone 14, and Gomora. She first gained prominence in 1989 with her role in Inkom’ Edla Yodwa.
Her international acclaim soared with her portrayal of Zawavari in the 2018 Marvel film Black Panther. In the sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, she succeeded Forest Whitaker’s character Zuri as Wakanda’s Elder Statesman. Additionally, Chiume played Sarabi, Simba’s mother, in Beyoncé’s Disney musical adaptation of The Lion King.
Chiume’s recent works included Heart of the Hunter, released earlier this year, and she also featured in the TV series Soon Comes Night in February. Her illustrious career earned her numerous accolades, including the NTVA Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series in 2000 and a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Supporting Actress in 2009.
Born in Welkom, Free State province, to a Malawian father and a Zulu mother, Chiume initially trained as a nurse before becoming a teacher and later establishing herself as a prominent actress. In a 2022 interview with the MacG Podcast, she expressed her desire to be remembered in the way her audiences chose: “I have impacted each and every person in a different way. Whatever way I have impacted you, remember me that way.”
Tributes have poured in on social media, with fans and the South African government praising her as a versatile and impactful actress. “Her outstanding work will always be remembered,” posted the South African government on X.
Connie Chiume leaves behind four children—two sons and two daughters.