A statement on her Instagram page, quoted by Sky News, revealed the death of the South African celebrity and filmmaker on Tuesday at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg after a period of illness.
“The Chiume family regrets to inform you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed award-winning actress, Connie Chiume,” it said.
On August 6, 2024, in Garden City Hospital, Connie Chiume went away. During this difficult time, the family requests privacy. The family will provide further information.
In a subsequent post, the family brought up the actress’s 2020 foundation, the Connie Chiume Foundation, which provides grants to artists and other creatives.
They sent “heartfelt gratitude for all the messages of support and condolences during this difficult time.”
A heartfelt message of gratitude from her offspring was also included in the statement: “Her children would like to express their deep appreciation to the doctors and nursing staff who provided exceptional care during her stay.” In the 2018 superhero film Black Panther, Chiume played Zawavari, a former Mining Tribe chief.
With Chadwick Boseman’s (later) performance as T’Challa, the picture made $1.3 billion globally and became the first superhero film to get an Oscar nomination.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, set in 2022, followed Chiume’s character as he became an elder of Wakanda. He took part in T’Challa’s funeral procession and had a role to play when Shuri (Letitia Wright) took charge.
Gomora, Seriously Single, and Queen Sono are just a few of the popular South African series in which Chiume has featured outside of the Marvel world. In addition, she had an appearance in Black Is King, Beyoncé’s musical film.
Among the many honors bestowed to Chiume over her career was the 2009 South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Supporting Actress, which she received for her portrayal of the character in the TV series Zone 14.
According to Chiume’s 2018 interview with IOL, she found her time on Black Panther to be “inspirational.”
I can’t contain my excitement about becoming a part of this show. She gushed about how inspiring it had been to work alongside A-listers and be directed by Ryan Coogler, a young guy of immense brilliance.
An emotional statement was released by the South African government in honor of Chiume, according to the Mirror.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Connie Chiume’s loved ones and coworkers on this difficult time. Her exceptional contributions will be cherished for a lifetime,” it said.
