Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman passed
away at age 43 on Aug. 28, 2020.
Boseman, who played King T'Challa in the critically
acclaimed Marvel film, had been diagnosed
with colon cancer in 2016, although he never
spoke publicly about his diagnosis.
A statement shared to his Twitter account
read:
"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."'
The South Carolina native led an extraordinary
career in Hollywood before his passing, including
notable roles like baseball legend Jackie
Robinson in the biopic 42.
"It's just a bunch of crackpots still fighting
the Civil War."
As soon as the news about Chadwick Boseman's
death was confirmed, fellow entertainers took
to Twitter to share tributes to the accomplished
actor.
Scandal alum Kerry Washington wrote:
"A warrior of light til the very end.
A true king.
I am without words.
May he rise in power."
Ryan Reynolds also shared his condolences,
writing, "What a brutal loss," while comedian
Wanda Sykes wrote, "I am broken.
Praying for his family."
This Is Us star Sterling K. Brown said:
"I don't have words.
Rest In Peace, Bruh.
Thank you for all you did while you were here.
Thank you for being a friend.
You are loved.
You will be missed."
Others honored Boseman's legacy in the film
industry as well as his activism, like singer-songwriter
John Legend, who tweeted:
"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."
Real Housewives star Monique Samuels shared
photos of her son's Black Panther-inspired
birthday party, writing,
"Like wow I'm in tears and they won't stop.
Just thinking about what his role did for
black kids across the globe."
A hero both on-screen and behind-the-scenes,
Chadwick Boseman will forever be remembered
as King T'Challa in Marvel's Black Panther.
Upon hearing news of their castmate's unexpected
death, Boseman's fellow Avengers took to Twitter
to honor his legacy.
Captain America's Chris Evans tweeted:
"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."
Chris Pratt stated on Instagram,
"My prayers go out to Chadwick’s family
and loved ones.
The world will miss his tremendous talent.
God rest his soul.
#wakandaforever"
Mark Ruffalo tweeted:
"All I have to say is the tragedies amassing
this year have only been made more profound
by the loss of [Chadwick Boseman].
What a man, and what an immense talent."
Brie Larson, who plays Captain Marvel, also
paid her respects on Twitter, writing:
"Chadwick was someone who radiated power and
peace.
Who stood for so much more than himself.
Who took the time to really see how you were
doing and gave words of encouragement when
you felt unsure.
I'm honored to have the memories I have.
The conversations, the laughter.
My heart is with you and your family.
You will be missed and never forgotten.
Rest in power and peace my friend."
Several political figures also took to social
media to remember Chadwick Boseman's activism
Before he passed, Chadwick Boseman's final
social media post highlighted his excitement
over Senator Kamala Harris's historic run
for vice president with a picture of the two
and a simple, capitalized "YES."
After Boseman's passing, Harris posted on
Instagram:
"Heartbroken.
My friend and fellow [Howard University] Bison
Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned,
and humble.
He left too early but his life made a difference.
Sending my sincere condolences to his family."
Former Vice President Joe Biden tweeted:
"The true power of [Chadwick Boseman] was
bigger than anything we saw on screen.
From the Black Panther to Jackie Robinson,
he inspired generations and showed them they
can be anything they want — even super heroes.
Jill and I are praying for his loved ones
at this difficult time."
Activist Bernice King, daughter of Martin
Luther King, Jr., also celebrated the impact
Boseman's legacy will have on the Black community
for generations to come, tweeting:
"We never know what people are enduring.
Humans...we are wonders.
Thank you, Chadwick, for gifting us with your
greatness in the midst of a painful struggle."
Her brother, Martin Luther King III, added
that, despite his four-year battle with colon
cancer, Boseman, quote, "kept fighting and
he kept inspiring.
He will be missed."
He certainly will be.
