Hollywood and the soap world are reeling over the news that Chadwick Boseman, who thrilled theater audiences with so many roles but especially as the titular character in Black Panther, has died at the age of 42.
Chadwick Boseman — A Brave Battle
The actor’s family shared the sad news on his official social media accounts late Friday, revealing the four-year battle the young actor had been waging against colon cancer.
“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” they wrote. “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.”
Boseman was born on November 29, 1977, in Anderson, South Carolina to Carolyn and Leroy Boseman. He graduated from both Howard University where he got his B.A. in directing and then the British American Dramatic Academy at Oxford, England. He also attended the Schomburg Center for Research in Harlem, New York, studying African (and African American) history.
In addition to his acting, he was a playwright. His script for Deep Azure was performed at the Congo Square Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois, and was nominated for a 2006 Joseph Jefferson Award for New Work.
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It didn’t take long for his peers across Hollywood to weigh in on the tremendous loss. Sterling K. Brown, who played his brother in Black Panther and also plays Randall Pearson on This Is Us wrote on Twitter, “I don’t have words. Rest In Peace, Bruh. Thank you for all you did while you were here. Thank you for being a friend. You are loved. You will be missed.”
While they weren’t on All My Children at the same time, where he created the role of Reggie, the young man adopted by Walt Willey’s Jack Montgomery (which was next played by Black Panther co-star Michael B. Jordan) Tamara Braun wrote, “Chadwick’s passing has made me incredibly sad. I did not know Chadwick but I have friends who did and I only heard beautiful and lovely things about him. He was the perfect king in Black panther and inspired so many. Rest in power and peace. Gone too soon. #king”
Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Kamala Harris wrote, “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.”
Entertainment Hub sends sincere condolences to Chadwick Boseman’s family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
I don’t have words. Rest In Peace, Bruh. Thank you for all you did while you were here. Thank you for being a friend. You are loved. You will be missed. 🤜🏿🤛🏿 https://t.co/8rK4dWmorq
— Sterling K Brown (@SterlingKBrown) August 29, 2020
Wakanda FOREVER ✊🏿✊🏽✊🏻❤️🙏🏻 prayers love & peace https://t.co/FbKGEekhaJ
— Greg Vaughan (@greg_vaughan) 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
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