Black Panther actor and Beyoncé collaborator Connie Chiume has died, aged 72.
The actor’s family announced the news in a statement on Instagram yesterday (August 6), writing: “The Chiume Family regrets to inform you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed award-winning actress Connie Chiume.
“Connie Chiume, 72, passed on at Garden City Hospital today on 6 August 2024. The Family asks for privacy during this difficult period. The family will communicate further details.”
Her son Nongelo Chiume told TV broadcaster Newzroom Afrika: “She was admitted for a medical procedure. She was recovering well but unfortunately today we then got the news of her passing.
He continued: “We are proud to be her children, I think she left us a beautiful legacy and the work she has done, not only for her children and family but for the community and the country at large.
“Connie was one of the most notable icons coming from South Africa and her work on activism with HIV and Aids programmes, gender-based violence, those are all things we take inspiration from. We look forward to continuing her legacy as her children.”
He added: “She was a very ambitious person. A hard-worker, a visionary. One of the things that kept her going was her faith. She had so much faith.”
The veteran actor starred in Beyonce’s 2020 musical film Black Is King and appeared in Marvel’s Black Panther as Zawavari, a member of the Wakandan Tribal Council and former leader of the Mining Tribe.
Chiume also appeared on South African television for decades in shows such as Rhythm City. In 2022, Chiume was honoured with a lifetime achievement award from South African Film and TV Awards for her many appearances in shows including Zone 14, Soul City, Mazinyo Dot Q and Gomora.
Chiume was born in Welkom, in Free State province, to a Malawian father and a Zulu mother. She initially trained as a nurse but then worked as a teacher before later switching to acting.
Chiume first rose to prominence as an actress in 1989 after appeared in the popular South African television series Inkom’ Edla Yodwa.
Tributes have poured in for the actor on social media. The South African government wrote on X/Twitter: “Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of multi-award winning and legendary actress Connie Chiume. Her outstanding work will always be remembered.
“‘We would like her to be remembered as a person who gave all through her talents, she had acting workshops touring around the country sharing the skills and knowledge she obtained over the years. We want her to be remembered as someone who was selfless, and someone who always wanted to see the next person doing great.’”
Chiume is survived by her four children – two sons and two daughters.
You can see more of the tributes to Chiume here:
Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of multi-award winning and legendary actress Connie Chiume. Her outstanding work will always be remembered.
#RIPConnieChiume pic.twitter.com/6GlE4QLkpV
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) August 6, 2024
RIP:
Veteran actress Connie Chiume has passed away.
The Black Panther star and matriarch of the industry to many in this business, was just 72 years old.
She passed away in hospital today (August 6th 2024). #RIPConnieChiume pic.twitter.com/gQMp6vu0IG
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) August 6, 2024
Sad to learn about the passing of an icon & legend #ConnieChiume.
Brought back these words she said on the #FeliciaShow.
She said, "I didn't come here for glamour or money. I believe in this thing called, 'a calling.' God has called me to be where I am." Profound. RIP Diva!pic.twitter.com/P3LYyeYy9n
— Felicia Mabuza-Suttle (@Feliciamabuza) August 6, 2024
A Curtain Call to Legendary multi-award winning Actor and Arts Activist mam’Connie Chiume.
Your remarkable contributions to our industry and powerful performances word wide have left an everlasting imprint.
We will always remember and honor your impact.
#RIPConnieChiume… pic.twitter.com/6LsBmtL2wn
— Actor Spaces (@actorspaces) August 6, 2024
A tree has fallen. What a loss to our nation and the world. Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and fans of globally accomplished actress Connie Chiume. #RIPConnieChiume
pic.twitter.com/ftZ35HVdMJ
— Prof Thuli Madonsela #KindnessBuilds (@ThuliMadonsela3) August 6, 2024
MEDIA STATEMENT: Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation @matomekopano on the passing of legendary actress Connie Chiume.#RIPconniechuime pic.twitter.com/uA7r7wL9Lv
— Gauteng Dept. of Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation (@GautengSACR) August 7, 2024
This is a developing story – more to follow
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