Connie Chiume, a veteran South African actor who appeared in Marvel movie Black Panther, has died on the age of 72, her household has introduced.
The multi-award-winning actress starred in a number of South African TV exhibits together with Rhythm Metropolis, Zone 14 and most not too long ago, Gomora.
Chiume was a educated trainer however later turned a family identify on mainstream tv.
She died at a Johannesburg hospital on Tuesday afternoon, a short family statement stated.
“The Chiume household regrets to tell you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed award-winning actress Connie Chiume,” the assertion stated.
The household requested for privateness throughout this tough interval and stated it might talk additional particulars later.
Her son Nongelo Chiume told TV broadcaster Newzroom Afrika that she was admitted for a “medical process” earlier than her loss of life.
Chiume graced South African TV for many years in exhibits equivalent to Rhythm Metropolis, with the nation’s public broadcaster SABC Information describing her as a “beacon of hope” of their tribute.
She rose to prominence as an actress in 1989 when she appeared within the standard South African tv collection Inkom’ Edla Yodwa.
Within the 2018 Black Panther movie, Chiume starred as Zawavari – a member of the Wakandan Tribal Council. Within the 2022 sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Perpetually she changed Zuri (Forest Whitaker) as Wakanda’s Elder Statesman.
She was additionally extremely celebrated for her appearances in Beyoncé’s Disney musical movie based mostly on The Lion King, through which she performed Simba’s mom, Sarabi.
Her most up-to-date position was in Coronary heart of the Hunter, launched earlier this yr, and he or she additionally appeared in TV collection Quickly Comes Evening in February.
Chiume was given a number of awards, together with an NTVA Avanti Award for Finest Actress in a Drama Sequence for her position in Soul Metropolis in 2000.
Later in 2009, she obtained a South African Movie and Tv Award (SAFTA) for Finest Supporting Actress in a Drama for her position as Stella Moloi within the household drama Zone 14.
She was born in Welkom, in Free State province, to a Malawian father and a Zulu mom. She educated as a nurse however ended up as a trainer.
In 2022, she told the MacG Podcast that she would really like for individuals to recollect her the way in which they select to.
“I’ve impacted every individual another way. No matter method I’ve impacted you, keep in mind me that method.”
Tributes have flooded in on social media with a few of her followers describing her as a flexible actress who performed a mess of roles within the South African tv trade.
“Her excellent work will at all times be remembered,” the South African authorities posted on X.
She leaves behind 4 kids – two sons and two daughters.
