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Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman has passed away at the age of 43 following a four-year battle against colon cancer.
Boseman’s family released a statement on the actor’s social media pages confirming the news this morning (August 29).
It reads: “It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman. Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 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 honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.
“The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.” Read the statement below.
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020
Boseman is perhaps best known for his lead role as T’Challa in Marvel blockbuster Black Panther, starring opposite Lupita Nyong’o, Michael B. Jordan and others. He also played James Brown in 2014 biopic Get on Up, and Jackie Robinson in 2013 film 42. He recently appeared in Spike Lee’s latest film Da 5 Bloods.
Marvel Studios shared a statement to pay tribute to Boseman, saying, “Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman’s family. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace.”
Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman’s family. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/YQMrEJy90x
— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) August 29, 2020
Mark Ruffalo, who worked alongside Boseman in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, also paid tribute to the late actor.
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.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 29, 2020
“All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of Chadwick Boseman. 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.”
Ava DuVernay, who was originally lined up to direct Black Panther before the role went to Ryan Coogler, shared a photo of Boseman as King T’Challa and wrote, “May you have a beautiful return, King. We will miss you so.”
May you have a beautiful return, King. We will miss you so. pic.twitter.com/jdip3RHoXb
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 29, 2020
Boseman passed away on August 28, known in the United States as Jackie Robinson day. Robinson was portrayed by Boseman in the 2013 biographical film, 42.
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman,” said Major League Baseball in a statement. “His transcendent performance in 42 will stand the test of time and serve as a powerful vehicle to tell Jackie’s story to audiences for generations to come.”
We are devastated by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman. His transcendent performance in “42” will stand the test of time and serve as a powerful vehicle to tell Jackie’s story to audiences for generations to come. pic.twitter.com/8oU7QpdLSE
— MLB (@MLB) August 29, 2020
Chris Evans, who played the role of Captain America alongside Boseman’s Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, shared photos of the two together and a tribute to “a true original.”
“I’m absolutely devastated,” wrote Evans. “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.”
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
Green Book star Mahershala Ali paid tribute to Boseman on Instagram this morning. “Peace King,” wrote Ali. “Thank you for your extraordinary work, your exemplary character and leadership. Love you Brother.”
Star Wars actor John Boyega also shared a tribute on Instagram, posting a photo of Boseman captioned with a broken heart.
In light of the news, #WakandaForever is trending on Twitter in the United States in tribute to Boseman’s starring role in Black Panther.
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