Fans & Co-Stars Pay Tribute to Chadwick Boseman: 'A True Original'
Chadwick Boseman, the iconic actor who brought Black Panther to life, has died after a four-year battle with colon cancer. He was 43.
His family announced the news with a statement on his Twitter account.
It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman.
Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV.
A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.
It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.
He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.
The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020
Boseman was a chameleon of the screen, a once-in-a-generation talent who embodied historical titans like Jackie Robinson, James Brown, and Thurgood Marshall while making roles like Black Panther’s T’Challa distinctly his own. The 2018 film, the first Marvel film with a majority-Black cast, smashed box office records, made a Black superhero a cultural icon, and marked the start of an inclusive new era in Hollywood. As moviegoer Aaron Humphrey told ELLE.com’s Chloe Hall and Mariel Tyler upon the film’s release, "What separates this movie from other superhero movies or any other Black superheroes is that it's actually about Black royalty and Black excellence and seeing people represent us in positions of power."
On Friday evening, Boseman's fans, Hollywood peers, and co-stars took to social media with an outpouring of grief following the news, paying tribute to the actor's talent and reflecting on the legacy his body of work will leave for generations to come.
Chadwick was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago, per reports. During that time, he gave us Civil War, Marshall, Black Panther, Infinity War, Endgame, 21 Bridges and Da 5 Bloods. Lord only knows what he was going through on a daily basis.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) August 29, 2020
I keep thinking about my 3-year-old in his Black Panther costume. How he wore it almost every day when he got it, refused to take it off. The way he walked around saying “I’m the Black Panther.” How happy it made him. What Chadwick gave us was immeasurable. What an enormous loss.
— Clint Smith (@ClintSmithIII) August 29, 2020
I’ll never forget how that first viewing in the theater made me feel. I’m cynical. And it snuck up on me. Then overtook me. Thank you. Travel well, sir. pic.twitter.com/1TtbPwsotR
— [kie.ran] (@danblackroyd) August 29, 2020
Chadwick Boseman is a big reason why our kids don't have to wonder about what a Black superhero is.
— Brian Josephs (@Bklyn_Rock) August 29, 2020
A post shared by Angela Bassett (@im.angelabassett) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:43pm PDT
I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking.
Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King💙 pic.twitter.com/oBERXlw66Z— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) August 29, 2020
A post shared by Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:02pm PDT
All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman. What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya. Rest in power, King.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 29, 2020
Kevin Feige on the passing of Chadwick Boseman. “He was our T’Challa, our Black Panther, and our dear friend."
More here: https://t.co/WdJ80K9Spx pic.twitter.com/WLDUR0k8Sl— Adam B. Vary (@adambvary) August 29, 2020
May you have a beautiful return, King. We will miss you so. pic.twitter.com/jdip3RHoXb
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 29, 2020
Chadwick.....no words to express my devastation of losing you. Your talent, your spirit, your heart, your authenticity........It was an honor working beside you, getting to know you....Rest well prince...May flights of angels sing thee to thy heavenly rest. I love you! 💛💛💛 pic.twitter.com/6abglPBOsh
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) August 29, 2020
I’m so shocked and heartbroken about Chadwick. He was such a bright light, such a gifted performer. He brought grace, elegance and power to everything he did. He always seemed to carry our ancestors with him. And now he joins them far too soon.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 29, 2020
A post shared by Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:40pm PDT
Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman’s family. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/DyibBLoBxz
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) August 29, 2020
A post shared by Tom Holland (@tomholland2013) on Aug 28, 2020 at 10:20pm PDT
All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman. What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya. Rest in power, King.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 29, 2020
A post shared by Octavia Spencer (@octaviaspencer) on Aug 28, 2020 at 10:22pm PDT
A post shared by Sarah Paulson (@mssarahcatharinepaulson) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:21pm PDT
A post shared by Lena Waithe (@lenawaithe) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:52pm PDT
A post shared by Kamala Harris (@kamalaharris) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:16pm PDT
Breaking my twitter silence to share some beauty. This was one of my final texts from the brilliant & once-in-lifetime talent, @chadwickboseman - take this in & celebrate life. He knew how precious every moment was. Tonight the Heavens received one of its most powerful angels. pic.twitter.com/Hj8Cb1IfZS
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) August 29, 2020
I’m heartsick to hear about Chadwick Boseman. Bruce and I send love to his family, friends, and fans.
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) August 29, 2020
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