Chadwick Boseman passed away on Friday. He was 43. (Photo: AP)Hollywood actor Chadwick Boseman, who gained fame for his role as Black Panther/King T’Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, has died after battling colon cancer for four years. He was 43. Besides Black Panther, Boseman was known for his performances in 42, Captain America: Civil War, Marshall, Avengers: Infinity War, 21 Bridges and Da 5 Bloods. His film Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is yet to be released.
His family released a statement on social media which read, “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.”
| Why Chadwick Boseman will always be remembered as Black Panther
The death of Chadwick Boseman has come as a shock to the film industry. Celebrities are paying tribute to the actor.
Celebrity photographer Art Streiber dedicated a long post to Chadwick Boseman who died on Friday.
Dwayne Johnson paid tribute to Chadwick Boseman on Instagram. Sharing the Black Panther actor's picture, he wrote, "This was hard to hear about. Hard to imagine the quiet pain and struggle you went thru all these years, yet still shined your powerful light and talents to inspire the world. Especially, our kids who finally saw themselves as a superhero — because of you. Rest in power, brother. My love and strength to your family. You will always press on with pride and purpose."
Stand-Up comedian James Andre Jefferson Jr posted a video from Black Panther and wrote, "He’s so much more than Black Panther but you have no idea what that role did for the black youth of the world. I grew up watching white superhero’s and never could relate to them. He gave our youth a hero to look up to; that looks like us. #ChadwickBosemanForever"
Bruce Lee's daughter posted a picture of Chadwick Boseman and wrote, "Dad, go say hi to Chadwick Boseman and tell him thank you for sharing his life and talent with us all. Rest In Peace, Chadwick. You will be missed."
Octavia Spencer shared a video on Instagram and wrote, "Sending healing prayers and my condolences to your loved ones. You have many as you were so beloved. I will miss your humility and strength, but will forever be inspired by your courage and resolve. It’s hard for me to say rest in peace because I’m having a difficult time letting you go. #ChadwickBoseman"
US Senator Kamala Harris paid tribute to Chadwick Boseman. She said she is "heartbroken" knowing about Chadwick's death.
"My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. From his groundbreaking work in Black Panther to his portrayal of Thurgood Marshall, Chadwick Boseman helped paint a new picture of what’s possible. Keeping his family, friends, and fans in my prayers during this difficult time," she wrote.
Sharing a picture on Instagram, Jamie Foxx wrote Chadwick Boseman will be "Forever missed"
Artist A Pass Bagonza shared two lessons he learnt from Chadwick Boseman's death. In a long note that he shared on Twitter, he mentioned, "Chadwick's death to me has revealed two important things. It's important to have good people around you, people who will keep your issues out of the public and give you a chance to fight your inner battles. Secondly, this man was so strong. He never gave up to the extent that he did not let his disease stop him from acting and following his dream to inspire many. He fought through all the pain and the hard moments in his life to even act Black Panther. May his soul rest in peace."
Actor Sai Dharam Tej thanked Chadwick Boseman for spreading love. In a tweet, he wrote, "thank you @chadwickboseman for not showing pain and for showing your commitment to put a smile on our faces #WakandaForever"
Remembering Chadwick Boseman, Rita Ora wrote, "A superhero on and off screen. Sending my love to the family and friends of Chadwick Boseman Rest In Peace"
Kevin Hart is hurt and shocked after knowing about Chadwick Boseman's death. "Man this shit hit different....I honestly can’t process it. I feel like you had so much more to do and give....we were about to do a movie together....You were so damn positive and spiritual. You were a great dude...you will truly be missed man. Rest In Peace King. Your legacy will live on forever," he wrote as a caption to a picture on Instagram.
Sharing a picture, Michelle Obama, former First Lady of USA, wrote, "I’ll always remember watching Chadwick in 42. Barack and I were alone in the White House, on a weekend night with the girls away. I was so profoundly moved by the rawness and emotion in the barrier-breaking story. And not long after, when he came to meet with young people in the State Dining Room, I saw that Chadwick’s brilliance on screen was matched by a warmth and sincerity in person. There’s a reason he could play Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and King T’Challa with such captivating depth and honesty. He, too, knew what it meant to truly persevere. He, too, knew that real strength starts inside. And he, too, belongs right t…
The Avengers actor Gwyneth Paltrow mentioned that she feels lucky to have spent some time with Chadwick Boseman on the set of the superheroes film. "I was so struck by his presence. He was the embodiment of the modern man; strong, intelligent, graceful, self-possessed. I am deeply sad to hear of his passing this morning. What a beautiful legacy he created in such a short life," she wrote.
Actor Olivia Wilde believes Chadwick Boseman has showed her the way to be better. She believes his passing away "should change everything." In an Instagram post, she wrote, "Couldn’t sleep last night after hearing the news of his passing. Can’t imagine what his family is going through. This feels like it should change everything. A new standard of being. Of working. Of persevering. We will work harder, and be better. We will be grateful for every day. We will lead with grace. Thank you for showing us the way."
The Avengers actor Gwyneth Paltrow mentioned that she feels lucky to have spent some time with Chadwick Boseman on the set of the superheroes film. "I was so struck by his presence. He was the embodiment of the modern man; strong, intelligent, graceful, self-possessed. I am deeply sad to hear of his passing this morning. What a beautiful legacy he created in such a short life," she wrote.
Filmmaker James Gunn had a hard time wrapping his head around the news of Chadwick Boseman's death.
In a series of tweets, he wrote, "Not only that Chadwick died from colon cancer, but that he had it the entire time I knew him, and did the amazing work and lived the life he did during that time. I didn’t know him well but he was always a good guy to me. I pray that his family find peace in this time of grief. And I‘ve been looking over chadwickboseman’s Twitter feed this morning learning about the charities & causes he cared about, even in the late stages of cancer, so that I can help forward those causes. Love to you all."
Russo Brothers paid tribute to Chadwick Boseman in a tweet. Sharing pictures from the sets of Black Panther, they mentioned, "Chadwick was such an elegant man with great integrity and tremendous talent. He inspired an entire generation to stand up and be king. Honor him by emulating him-show kindness and love to others. Share your talents in ways that impact. Always strive to be a light in the darkness."
Sharing a gif featuring himself with Chadwick Boseman, Robert Downey Jr wrote, "Mr. Boseman leveled the playing field while fighting for his life... That’s heroism... I’ll remember the good times, the laughter, and the way he changed the game... #chadwickforever"
Former US President Barack Obama mourned the loss of Chadwick Boseman. He tweeted, "Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson. You could tell right away that he was blessed. To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years."