Black Panther actress Connie Chiume dies aged 72
The South African star was in both of the movies set in the fictional land of Wakanda.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Black Panther actress Connie Chiume has died aged 72, her family said.
The South African star and filmmaker died on Tuesday at a Johannesburg hospital.
She played appeared in two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe films, set in the fictional land of Wakanda.
On her Instagram page, a message said: āThe Chiume Family regrets to inform you of the passing of the international acclaimed award winning actress Connie Chiume.
āConnie Chiume, 72, passed on at Garden City Hospital today on the 6th August 2024.
āThe family asks for privacy during this difficult period. The family will communicate further details.ā
The post was captioned: āShe lives in our hearts forever.ā
Chiume played a former leader of the Mining Tribe, Zawavari, in the 2018 film Black Panther, starring the late actor, Chadwick Boseman as the lead character.
In the second film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, her character becomes a Wakanda elder, who is part of the funeral passage for Bosemanās character, TāChalla, and also plays a role when Shuri (Letitia Wright) becomes the leader of the technologically advanced country and the new superhero.
Chiume also was in Beyonce-directed musical film, Black Is King, and South African series Gomora, Seriously Single and Queen Sono.
She won a South African Film and Television Award (Safta) for best supporting actress for her role in Zone 14, a series about two warring families, in 2009.
Fellow South African actress Connie Ferguson wrote on Instagram: āNot sure Iām processing this! Rest in peace my love. My deepest condolences to the Chiume family and friends. Wow!!!ā
Director Mmabatho Montsho wrote: āOh no Mama! Condolences to family and all loved ones.ā