Veteran South African actress Connie Chiume, who appeared in the Marvel film Black Panther, has died at the age of 72, her family said.
The award-winning actor has starred in many South African television shows including Rhythm City, Zone 14 and the latest, Gomora.
Chiume was a trained teacher but later became a household name on mainstream television.
He died at a Johannesburg hospital on Tuesday afternoon, short family statement said.
“The Chiume family regrets to inform you of the passing of world-renowned actress Connie Chiume,” said the statement.
The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time and said they will communicate more information later.
His son is Nongelo Chiume he told Newsroom Afrika TV presenter that he was sedated for a “medical procedure” before his death.
Chiume has graced South African TV for decades in shows such as Rhythm City, where the country’s public broadcaster SABC News described him as a “light of hope” in their eulogy.
He came to prominence as an actor in 1989 when he starred in the popular South African television series Inkom’ Edla Yodwa.
In the 2018 film Black Panther, Chiume starred as Zawavari – a member of the Wakandan National Council. In 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever he replaced Zuri (Forest Whitaker) as Wakanda’s Elder Statesman.
She also gained critical acclaim for her appearance in Beyoncé’s Disney musical film adaptation of The Lion King, where she played Simba’s mother, Sarabi.
His most recent role was in Heart of the Hunter, which was released earlier this year, and he appeared in the TV series Late Night in February.
Chiume was awarded several awards, including the NTVA Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Soul City in 2000.
Later in 2009, she won the South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for her role as Stella Moloi in the family drama Zone 14.
He was born in Welkom, Free State province, to a Malawian father and a Zulu mother. She trained as a nurse but eventually became a teacher.
In 2022, he he told the MacG Podcast that he would like people to remember him in the way they choose.
“I touched everyone in a different way. Whatever way I touched you, remember me that way.”
There has been an uproar on social media, with some of his fans describing him as a top-notch actor who played a number of roles in the television industry in South Africa.
“His good work will always be remembered,” said the South African government posted on X.
He leaves behind four children – two sons and two daughters.
