Chadwick Boseman, the star of “Black Panther,” died on Friday after a 4-year battle with colon cancer. He was 43. This news was quite shocking for the fans and everyone expressed grief over this loss on social media.
“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” said a statement posted to his Twitter feed. “It was the honor of his life to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020
As per the reports, Chadwick Boseman never spoke publicly about his cancer diagnosis, but he worked through his treatment for much of his career. He started when he played another Black American icon, NAACP lawyer and future Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall, in 2017’s “Marshall”, a year before the premiere of “Black Panther.”
Chadwick Boseman’s Career
Boseman’s career first exploded with his portrayals of Black American icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown. It was his project before stepping into the world of super heroes at Marvel Studios.
Chadwick Boseman most recently appeared in the Spike Lee’s Vietnam War drama “Da 5 Bloods,” and this year he’s due to appear opposite Viola Davis “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” a feature adaptation of the August Wilson play, directed by George C. Wolfe.
Chadwick’s Family
Chadwick Bosemand was born the youngest of three boys and raised in Anderson, South Carolina. His mother worked as a nurse, and father worked in a textile factory. Boseman is survived by his wife and family.
Chadwick Boseman’s Education
When he was a junior in high school, Chadwick Boseman wrote and staged a play about the shooting death of a basketball teammate, which turned his life towards the arts. He studied directing at Howard University, where he was mentored by Phylicia Rashad.
Condolences on ‘Black Panther’ Boseman’s Demise
As soon as this heart wrenching news made way to Twitter while putting everyone in the state of shock, the reaction was swift on Boseman’s death.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidates for president and vice president, expressed their condolences on Twitter. Apart from that, other celebrities also took it to social media to express their sorrow over this major loss.
The true power of @ChadwickBoseman was bigger than anything we saw on screen. From the Black Panther to Jackie Robinson, he inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even super heroes. Jill and I are praying for his loved ones at this difficult time.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 29, 2020
Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/C5xGkUi9oZ
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 29, 2020
The president of Marvel Studios penned the condolence note as:
“Chadwick’s passing is absolutely devastating,” said Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios and chief creative officer of Marvel, in a statement. “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.”
Wind Up to The Black Panther’s Chapter of Life
Chadwick Boseman garnered praise for his first appearance as the character in 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War”. The actor’s exceptional performance in Black Panther film shattered box office records when it debuted in Feb 2018.
As per the details, “Black Panther” grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide. Before “Black Panther” premiered, he was asked about the possibility of making a sequel. He responded as:
“I’m enjoying this moment,” he said. “If we start talking about sequels — if we do four of them, two of them, three of them — I just want them all to be special like this one.”