Tributes pour in after tragic death of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman
By Jennifer McShane
29th Aug 2020
29th Aug 2020
The world is shocked and stunned at the untimely passing of the star who has been praised for breaking down cultural barriers and inspiring a generation of young people. Tributes have poured in from actors and fans for all he has achieved
The Black Panther star died at his home in the Los Angeles area aged just 43, four years after being diagnosed with colon cancer. He was best known for his role as the regal T’Challa in the Marvel cinematic universe, the franchise’s first high-profile black superhero.
The star had undertaken his cancer battle privately and passed away at home surrounded by his wife, family and loved ones on 29 August. “It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” his family said in a statement.
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020
“Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last four years as it progressed to stage IV. 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 honour of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”
Black Panther was considered a cultural milestone as the first mega-budget movie to have an African American director and a predominantly black cast. Boseman worked consistently since his diagnosis, and made his name in biopics exploring the lives of prominent black Americans, including baseball player Jackie Robinson, icons James Brown and civil rights lawyer Thurgood Marshall.
He was a wildly gifted human being, who was taken too soon. “May you have a beautiful return, King – we will miss you so,” wrote Ava DuVernay, while Viola Davis shared an equally poignant message: “Chadwick… No words to express my devastation of losing you. Your talent, your spirit, your heart, your authenticity… It was an honour working beside you, getting to know you… Rest well, Prince… May flights of angels sing thee to thy heavenly rest.”
He was honoured by fellow actors, friends and fans around the world:
What a gentle gifted SOUL. Showing us all that Greatness in between surgeries and chemo. The courage, the strength, the Power it takes to do that. This is what Dignity looks like. https://twitter.com/chadwickboseman/status/1299530165463199747
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) August 29, 2020
THANK YOU @chadwickboseman for all you gave us. We needed it & will always cherish it! A talented & giving artist & brother who will be sorely missed?? RIP
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) August 29, 2020
Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson. You could tell right away that he was blessed. To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years. https://twitter.com/chadwickboseman/status/758707423544684545
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 29, 2020
A warrior of light til the very end. A true king. I am without words. May he rise in power. https://twitter.com/chadwickboseman/status/1299530165463199747
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) August 29, 2020
— Brie Larson (@brielarson) August 29, 2020
Main photograph: @chadwickboseman
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