In news that has left Hollywood and much of the world reeling, Chadwick Boseman, a rising actor in America has died following complications with cancer. The actor broke through with his 2018 role of T’Challa, King of Wakanda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s film Black Panther.
Aside from his role as a superhero, he is known for his portrayal of American Black icons: James Brown (in 2014’s Get on Up) and as Jackie Robinson in his breakout role in the movie “23”.
His family took to Twitter to share news of his death, in a tweet that has since the time of posting, garnered more than 4 million likes.
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020
Despite supporting many charities and coming to the aid of others in need, Boseman never publicly announced his battle with Cancer. After the news of his death hit the internet, the actor is being mourned by all those who knew him and those who were touched by his inspirational performance in Black Panther.
The film was a milestone for Black Cinema, being a worldwide success and depicting Black excellence like no other had before.
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Marvel Colleagues React to the death of Chadwick Boseman
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige shared his experience with the actor stating:
“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.”
Walt Disney Co. chairman Bob Iger said, “We are all heartbroken by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman — an extraordinary talent, and one of the most gentle and giving souls I have ever met.
He brought enormous strength, dignity and depth to his groundbreaking role of Black Panther; shattering myths and stereotypes, becoming a long-awaited hero to millions around the world, and inspiring us all to dream bigger and demand more than the status quo.
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We mourn all that he was, as well as everything he was destined to become. For his friends and millions of fans, his absence from the screen is only eclipsed by his absence from our lives. All of us at Disney send our prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Actress Angela Bassett who played Boseman’s mother in Black Panther professed: “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.”
Chris Evans took to his social media to add “I’m absolutely devastated. Chadwick was special. A true original.”
Mark Ruffalo also took to Twitter to say “It was the highest honor getting to work with you and getting to know you. 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.”
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
Other reactions have been pouring in all day with the words RIP King, Chadwick Boseman and Black Panther continuing to trend on Twitter. While Boseman’s performance was always captivating in everything from 21 Bridges to Da 5 Bloods, his portrayal of an African ruler and superhero in Black Panther, a film that is cited as the best Marvel movie, will be the greatest of his legacies.
That film remains the pinnacle of its genre but most importantly an everlasting gift from Boseman to black men and women. Boseman is survived by his wife and family.