South African Actress Connie Chiume, Known for 'Black Panther' Role, Dies at 72

South African film and television star Connie Chiume, best known for her role in 'Black Panther', passed away at the age of 72. Her family announced the news, although the cause of death remains undisclosed. The South African government and industry peers have paid their tributes to the iconic actress.

Connie Chiume, the revered South African actress known for her role as tribal leader Zawavari in Marvel Studios' 'Black Panther' and its 2022 sequel 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever', died at age 72. Deadline reported she passed away at a Johannesburg hospital. Her family confirmed the sad news through social media, though the cause of death was not disclosed.

The South African government paid tribute to Chiume on X. '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,' read the statement. Chiume began her career in the late 1970s with a traveling musical group and later starred in the South African stage musical Ipi Ntombi. Her extensive stage career included roles in Porgy and Bess and The Little Shop of Horrors.

Chiume received numerous honors for performances in television dramas during the early 2000s, and later in 2015, she took on the role of Mamokete Khuse in the serial opera Rhythm City. She earned international acclaim portraying the Mining Tribe Elder, Zawavari, in 'Black Panther'. Additionally, Chiume appeared in TV series such as Heart of the Hunter and Soon Comes Night and featured in Beyonce's visual album Black is King (2020). She is survived by three children and five grandchildren, according to Deadline. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)