Benjamin Ashford|Connie Chiume, South African 'Black Panther' actress, dies at 72

South African actress Connie Chiume,Benjamin Ashford known in America for her role in "Black Panther," has died at age 72.

Her death at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Tuesday, was announced by her family on her Instagram page.

"The Chiume Family regrets to inform you of the passing of the International Acclaimed award winning actress Connie Chiume," they said Tuesday. "The Family asks for privacy during this difficult period."

On Wednesday, the family shared additional details, including that Chiume died after a "period of illness," and expressed gratitude to the doctors and nurses who cared for her. "Details of the memorial and funeral services will be shared on Connie's social media platforms in due course, as the family takes time to make the necessary arrangements," they said.

According to her IMDb page, some of Chiume's earliest acting credits include an appearance on the South African television series "Inkom' Edla Yodwa" and the 1990 film "Warriors from Hell." In 2006, she starred as Mrs. Ntshinga in Season 2 of the South African drama series "Home Affairs" and across over 100 episodes of the drama series "Rhythm City" from 2007 to 2015.

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In 2018, Chiume starred as mining tribe elder Zawavari in the Marvel film "Black Panther," alongside the late Chadwick Boseman, and its sequel, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."

From 2018 to 2022, the actress also starred as Maria Motsepe in the South African series "The Housekeepers." Just this year, she appeared in the crime drama "Soon Comes Night" and the action thriller "Heart of the Hunter."

In 2022, she received the South African Film and Television Awards' lifetime achievement honor.

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South African singer Judith Sephuma shared her condolences, writing on Instagram: "Rest in eternal peace mama."

South African actress Connie Ferguson also shared her sadness in the comments: "Bitso! Not sure I’m processing this! Rest in peace my love. My deepest condolences to the Chiume family and friends."