‘Black Panther’ star Chadwick Boseman dies age 43

Unbeknownst to the public, Boseman had been battling colon cancer since 2017

Actor Chadwick Boseman, star of Marvel movies Black Panther and The Avengers, has died aged 43.

Boseman was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer in 2017, which progressed to stage four over the next three years. He chose to keep his illness private from the public.

In a statement, Boseman’s family revealed that his career over the past number of years was structured around “countless surgeries and chemotherapy”. They said: “A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much.”

Boseman rose to global stardom in the Oscar-winning Marvel movie Black Panther, in the lead role as King T’Challa/Black Panther. He reprised his role in the hugely successful Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

His most recent role was Spike Lee’s Netflix production Da 5 Bloods, following a group of Vietnam veterans who return to the country in search of the remains of their fallen leader, and the treasure they buried there.

Tributes to Boseman have poured in across social media, as those in Hollywood learned of this death.

May you have a beautiful return, King. We will miss you so. pic.twitter.com/jdip3RHoXb

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 29, 2020

The son of Martin Luther King Jr. paid tribute to Boseman on Twitter.

Chadwick Boseman brought history to life on the silver screen, from Jackie Robinson, James Brown and Thurgood Marshall.

As Black Panther, he was also a superhero to many.

And despite his 4 year long battle with cancer, he kept fighting and he kept inspiring. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/f0Tc8ByaXj

— Martin Luther King III (@OfficialMLK3) August 29, 2020

Boseman’s Marvel co-stars also paid tribute to the actor’s life. Chris Hemsworth, who plays Thor, said the news was “absolutely heartbreaking”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEdV9Jlpv74/

Captain America star Chris Evans said he was “absolutely devastated”.

“He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King,” added Evans.

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? pic.twitter.com/oBERXlw66Z

— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) August 29, 2020

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