Johannesburg: South African actress Connie Chiume, best known for her role as tribal leader Zwawari in the Marvel Studios film “Black Panther” and its 2022 sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”, has died at a hospital in Johannesburg. She was 72, reports Deadline.
His family shared this sad news on social media. However, the reason has not been disclosed.
The South African government paid tribute to Chiume on Christmas. “Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of multiple award-winning and great actress Connie Chiume. Her outstanding work will always be remembered.”
Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of multi-award winning and veteran actress Connie Chiume. Her wonderful work will always be remembered. #RIPConnieChiume pic.twitter.com/6GlE4QLkpV
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) August 6, 2024
In the late 1970s, she joined a traveling musical group before working in the South African stage musical Ipi Ntombi. Subsequent stage credits included roles in Porgy and Bess and The Little Shop of Horrors.
After receiving several honors for her performances in television drama series in the early 2000s, she played Mamokate Khuse in the serial opera Rhythm City in 2015.
She played the role of Zawawari, an elderly woman of the Mining tribe in ‘Black Panther’.
She also appeared in the TV series Heart of the Hunter and Soon Comes Night, and appeared in Beyoncé’s visual album Black Is King (2020). Survivors include three children and five grandchildren, reports Deadline.
