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Connie Chiume, South African actor known for ‘Black Panther’ role, dies at 72

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Connie Chiume, South African actor known for 'Black Panther' role, dies at 72

As a movie lover who has witnessed the evolution of cinema across continents, I can say that the passing of Connie Chiume leaves a profound void in the global film industry. Her journey from a small-town girl in Welkom to an internationally acclaimed actress is a testament to the indomitable spirit of artists everywhere.

Noted South African actor, recognized by many Americans from her roles in the Marvel “Black Panther” films, Connie Chiume, passed away at the age of 72.

On Instagram, it was shared by Chiume’s family that she passed away on Tuesday at a hospital in Johannesburg.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the death of renowned and honored actress Connie Chiume. At the age of 72, she passed away at Garden City Hospital. We kindly request respect for our privacy as we navigate through this challenging time.”

In the heart of South Africa, Chiume was a seasoned actor, who rose to prominence as apartheid came to an end. Her breakthrough roles were in the hit TV series “Inkom’ Edla Yodwa” and the soap opera “Rhythm City.” She graced numerous television shows and films, showcasing her versatility in both drama and comedy. Her exceptional performances earned her prestigious awards in South African film and television industries.

Born on June 5, 1952, in Welkom, South Africa, Chiume was the fifth-born child among nine siblings. It is said that she started her career as a nurse and later worked as a teacher before transitioning into performance. In the latter part of the 1970s, she made a move to Greece to be part of the musical production “Sola Sola” cast.

In 2022, she reflected on her career and changes to the South African film industry.

Initially, when I began, there wasn’t a single TV channel catering to Black audiences, as Chiume shared with News24. Progress has been made in this area, and the income we used to earn back then is significantly improved now. However, there’s still plenty of room for improvement to transform the current landscape.

As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve got to say that the actress truly made a name for herself in Tinseltown when she portrayed the mining tribe elder Zawavari in Marvel’s “Black Panther.”

As I sat down for my “Black Panther” audition, I had no idea the whirlwind I was about to step into. (Chuime shared this with South Africa’s Sunday Times)

“Chuime admitted he wasn’t sure about the role when he attended the audition, but they provided a piece for him to perform. As it turned out, it seemed like a national address by an African individual. Chuime donned his traditional African attire, memorized his lines, and gave his best performance.”

Although the part was modest, she shared with News24 her excitement about working alongside Michael B. Jordan, Angela Bassett, and other A-list celebrities, as this opportunity brought her long-cherished acknowledgment.

In 2018, the groundbreaking movie not only made its debut but also shattered numerous box office records, making it the top-earning film ever directed by a filmmaker of African descent.

Chiume later reprised her role for the sequel, “Wakanda Forever,” in 2022.

In addition to his acting roles, he was featured in the visual album “Black Is King,” linked to “The Lion King,” where he portrayed Sarabi, Simba’s mother character.

Lately, she has been featured in Netflix productions from South Africa, such as the movie “Heart of the Hunter,” which came out a few months ago, and the series “Soon Comes Night” that debuted in February.

Chiume is survived by her three children and five grandchildren.

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2024-08-10 01:04

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