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.
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."
Taika Waititi reacted to the news of Chadwick Boseman passing away. He took to Twitter and wrote, "Devastating news. We lost a great one. #chadwickboseman"
Remembering Chadwick Boseman, Priyanka Chopra wrote, "This year has been so hard. What a tragic loss of a remarkably gifted talent. Chadwick, you fought a silent battle, all while giving us some of the most inspiring films of the last few years. Your legacy will live on forever. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones."
Tom Holland shared a photo on Instagram with a caption that read, "Chadwick, you were even more of a hero off screen than on. A role model not only to me on set, but to millions of others around the world. You brought joy and happiness to so many and I’m proud to have been able to call you a friend. RIP Chadwick"
Remembering Chadwick Boseman, Avengers actor Jeremy Renner wrote, "Chadwick is an inspiration, a warrior with a big kind heart that I’ll never forget. I’m so deeply heartbroken by his passing. Sending love to the Boseman family ... R.I.P."
Actor Jason Momoa, paying tribute to Chadwick Boseman, wrote, "all my aloha and condolences to his ohana. i’m truly gutted. what a wonderful spirit. i’m so sorry RIP"
Gemma Chan wrote a moving tribute for Chadwick Boseman. She took to Instagram and wrote, ""Every person makes a seed grow. One person comes in and waters it. Another person tills the soil. But you know you are making an impact on the world. You know you are changing somebody's mind."
She continued, "My heart is so heavy at this news. To have given so much when he was privately suffering. He understood the power of his work and because of him many more kids, particularly young black girls and boys, will be able to see heroes in themselves. I'm sorry we never got to work together. Deepest condolences to your family. Rest in Power, King. @chadwickboseman"
Josh Brolin commented, "Safe travels, brother. With the heaviest heart do I watch you leave."
Reacting to Chadwick Boseman's death, Zoe Saldana wrote, "The classiest avenger and most quiet warrior. My heart is heavy right now. I wished I had the courage to tell you how your performance of T’Challa was the best portrayal of a King I had ever seen. Rest in Power and Grace Brother. My sons will know your name forever!"
Reacting to the news of Chadwick Boseman's death, Dave Bautista tweeted that he "really hate 2020."
"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," Sterling K Brown said via Twitter.
Ryan Reynolds called Chadwick Boseman's passing away "a brutal loss."
Channing Tatum paid his tribute to Chadwick Boseman. In an Instagram post, he mentioned, "There just aren’t words to describe losing such a brilliantly talented and powerful man. I didn’t know you well. But the little time i got to spend with you. It was clear as day. You had the light. Rest in power. And keep shining from above man."
Actor Angela Bassett, who played T’Challa’s mother in Black Panther, reflected on her strong connection with Chadwick Boseman. On Instagram, she wrote, “It was meant to be for Chadwick and me to be connected, for us to be family. But what many don’t know is our story began long before his historic turn as Black Panther. During the premiere party for Black Panther, Chadwick reminded me of something. He whispered that when I received my honorary degree from Howard University, his alma mater, he was the student assigned to escort me that day. And here we were, years later as friends and colleagues, enjoying the most glorious night ever! We’d spent weeks prepping, working, sitting next to each other every morning in makeup chairs, preparing for the day together as mother and son. I am honored that we enjoyed that full circle experience. This young man’s dedication was awe-inspiring, his smile contagious, his talent unreal. So I pay tribute to a beautiful spirit, a consummate artist, a soulful brother… ‘thou aren’t not dead but flown afar…’ All you possessed, Chadwick, you freely gave. Rest now, sweet prince. #WakandaForever.”
In a statement, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said, “Chadwick’s passing is absolutely devastating. He was our T’Challa, our Black Panther, and our dear friend. Each time he stepped on set, he radiated charisma and joy, and each time he appeared on screen, he created something truly indelible. He embodied a lot of amazing people in his work, and nobody was better at bringing great men to life. He was as smart and kind and powerful and strong as any person he portrayed. Now he takes his place alongside them as an icon for the ages. The Marvel Studios family deeply mourns his loss, and we are grieving tonight with his family.”
Mark Ruffalo said it was his "highest honor" to work with Chadwick Boseman. In a tweet, he mentioned, "What a generous and sincere human being. You believed in the sacred nature of the work and gave your all. Much love to your family. And much love from all of us left here."
John Legend is "shocked and heartbroken" to know about Chadwick Boseman's demise. He tweeted, "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."
Ritika Singh tweeted, "We lost a true fighter. A true hero! Rest in peace King T’challa. You have touched so many lives. You will continue to live forever in our hearts!"