Chadwick Boseman, best known for his iconic role in the ground-breaking Marvel movie Black Panther, passed away at 43. His sudden passing sent shockwaves through Hollywood, and many of his former co-stars paid tribute to the late actor, praising his talent and grace.
According to a statement shared by Boseman’s family, he’s been battling colon cancer since 2016, but kept his struggle private as he delivered one amazing performance after another against all odds.
“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,” reads the official statement by Boseman’s family.
Boseman’s former Marvel co-stars, including Chris Evans, Brie Larson, and Angela Bassett, assembled to bid him farewell and posted touching tributes on social media. Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, called his passing “absolutely devastating” and had nothing but words of praise for the late actor.
“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… The Marvel Studios family deeply mourns his loss, and we are grieving tonight with his family,” said Feige in a statement.
Chadwick Boseman got his big break with the role of baseball legend Jackie Robinson in 42 and went on to play several important historical figures, including James Brown and Thurgood Marshall. His final film Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, based on August Wilson’s play of the same name, is expected to come out later this year.
