The US actor and producer who played the superhero Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic film has died of colon cancer.
His family announced his passing on social media, in a press release, where it was confrimed that Chadwick Boseman died in his home in Los Angeles, with his wife and family by his side. It was also revealed that Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and has battled with it for the past 4 years, just before his passing, the cancer had progressed to stage IV.
Oprah Winfrey reveals that she is in shock and in awe of how gracefully the actor had handled his low moments, ”What a gentle gifted soul. Showing us all that greatness in between surgeries and chemo. The courage, the strength and power it takes to do that. I’m in shock and awe”
”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”
Having acted as James Brown in ”Get on up”, and starred in Spike Lee’s most recent film ”Da 5 Bloods” he will forever be remembered for playing King T’Challa of Wakanda in Marvel cinematic film, Black panther.
After it was announced on Friday that Chadwick has tragically passed away, the stars of the Marvel Cinematic Universe paid a tribute to the deceased.
T’challa’s mother played by Angela Bassett, led the tributes, with a very deep story of them both
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.”
Sterling K Brown, who played T’Challa’s uncle N’Jobu in Black Panther, tweeted: “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.”
The guardians of the Galaxy star; Zoe Saldana wrote: “Rest in Power King T’Challa. My heart is so heavy right now. Your passing has hit me hard. I will tell my sons about you forever. You were one of the classiest men I have ever met in my life. It was an honor to have shared minutes with you on screen and to have crossed paths with you during press.
“Though our acquaintance was light you always left a lasting impression because of your energy, poise and gentle manner. May the Universe deliver you to your promise land brother.”
Don Cheadle, who starred alongside Boseman in the most recent Avengers films as War Machine, tweeted: “I will miss you, birthday brother. You were always light and love to me. My god … forever and ever.”
Kevin Feige, the Marvel Cinematic Universal’s chief creative officer’s tribute goes as thus: “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” He said in a statement
Robert Iger, in charge of Disney said when Boseman appeared in the MCU, he knew that the actor had “an extraordinary talent, and one of the most gentle and giving souls I have ever met”, while fellow Avengers actors Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Brie Larson and Chris Hemsworth also left beautiful messages in Boseman’s memory.
“We are all heartbroken by the tragic loss of #chadwickboseman — 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”
Chris Evans says “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💙” https://t.co/oBERXlw66Z
Mark Ruffalso also pays his tribute by saying
“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.”
“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” this is a tribute by Brie Larson
Chris Hemsworth says “Gonna miss you mate. Absolutely heartbreaking. One of the kindest most genuine people I’ve met. Sending love and support to all the family xo RIP @chadwickboseman”
Literally, we can say Chadwick is the true definition of a real superhero, because he was shooting those movies while battling such illness.
Amidst chemotherapy, and battling stage III cancer, Chadwick Boseman was sill giving box office hits over and over, still made appearances, gave graduation speeches, and was still throwing up Wakanda Forever on command, Now, that is a real superhero, and he will be greatly missed.