Source: VALERIE MACON / Getty
All hail the Queen.
Connie Chiume, best known for her roles in Black Panther in 2018 and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, died on Aug. 6 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The beloved actress and legend was 72.
Her death comes just four years after the passing of the film’s star Chadwick Boseman, who died in August 202o after quietly suffering from colon cancer.
Chiume’s relatives confirmed the news on the star’s Instagram page.
“The Chiume family regrets to inform you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed award-winning actress, Connie Chiume,” the statement began. “Connie Chiume passed on at Garden City Hospital today on the 6th August 2024.”
“The family asks for privacy during this difficult period,” the statement concluded. “The family will communicate further details.”
Chiume played Wakandan Tribal Council leader and later Elder Statesman Zawavari in the Marvel films, which also starred a bevy of Black excellence, including Lupita Nyong’o, Angela Bassett, Daniel Kaluuya and Michael B. Jordan.
It was a role she was extremely proud of. “I was cast with them,” she told the South African outlet News24 in 2022 of working with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. “Which means the director saw something in me, that I’m also on that caliber.”
Connie Chiume during the 2022 GQ Men of the Year Awards at The Leonardo on December 10, 2022 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The awards recognise the men and women making a difference in culture, fashion, sport and media in South Africa and across the African continent. Source: Gallo Images / Getty
While Chiume’s exact cause of death is still unknown, her son Nongelo Chiume told South African news network Newzroom Afrika on Tuesday that his mother had been in the hospital,” he explained. “She was admitted for a medical procedure and she was recovering well. But, unfortunately, we then got the news of her passing.”
“We are proud to be her children,” Nongelo continued. “She left us a beautiful legacy, not only just for her children or her family—but for the community and the country at large.”
Chiume was a prominent South African actress who starred in several popular television shows, such as Zone 14, Soul City, Mazinyo Dot Q, and Gomora, and films, including Beyonce’s Black is King, Rhythm City, and Seriously Single. At the time of her death, she had over 30 credits to her name.
Connie Chiume (L) and Zizo Beda during the 2020 Feather Awards on November 11, 2020 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The awards celebrate and recognize all who support, inspire and empower the LGBTIQA+ community. Source: Gallo Images / Getty
The South African government paid tribute to the actress on X stating, “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.”
Nyong’o also paid tribute to Chiume with a heartfelt Instagram post alongside a picture of the actress in stunning Zulu traditional garb.
“We have lost a library,” she captioned the Aug. 6 Instagram post. “May @conniechiume rest in peace and power.”
Gabisile Connie Chiume was born on June 5, 1952, in Welkom, the second-largest city in the Free State province of South Africa. She is survived by her three children and five grandchildren.
With a career spanning over 40 years, Chiume knew that she was breaking down barriers in the industry for the black actors and actresses who would follow in her footsteps.
“When I started, there wasn’t even a TV station for Black people,” she told News24. “There’s been progress in that aspect,” she said, “and the money that we were earning then, it’s much, much better now. But there’s still a lot we can do to change the landscape.”
