This year has been nothing short of a tragedy and it seems things only continue to get worse as news arises that Chadwick Boseman who’s best known for portraying and bringing fame to the African superhero, Black Panther, has passed away at 43.
It’s reported that Boseman passed away in his home surrounded by his wife and family after a 4 year battle with stage III colon cancer back in 2016. The family sends their thanks for all the love and prayers they’ve received, all according to a post made on Boseman’s Twitter page.
Boseman was born and raised in Anderson, South Carolina as an only child to Carolyn and Leroy Boseman. He graduated from T.L. Hanna High School in 1995 where he wrote his first play, Crossroads which was inspired by a classmate that was shot and killed. From then on, he took his talents to Howard University, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing in 2000.
Boseman was adamant on writing and directing but decided to study acting to get an actors point of view. His career began as the drama instructor in the Schomburg Junior Scholars Program and it wasn’t long after that he relocated to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams.
Boseman was known for bringing many groundbreaking roles to life. Aside from his work in Black Panther, which celebrated blackness that is not typically seen in mainstream films, he also starred in movies like playing the role of James Brown in “Get On Up” and Jackie Robinson in the movie “42”.
His work in and outside the film industry has largely impacted black culture and changed the perspective of the roles commonly given to black men. Though he never spoke publicly of his illness, he never let it stop him from doing outstanding work in the world of Hollywood and even his family confirmed his role in Black Panther “the honor of his career.”
Phylicia Rashad who you may remember from Tyler Perry Good Deeds and The Cosby Show was a mentor to Boseman for many years and in a 2018 interview with DiversityInc she spoke on his behalf stating, “What I saw in him was the sky was the limit. He never asked me to introduce him to anyone - that’s not his way. He was going to make it on his own merits”.
Millions of celebrities and fans have taken to social media to grieve the loss of the renowned actor. Sterling K. Brown who co starred with Boseman in Black Panther as N'Jobu takes to Twitter writing,
“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.”
Actor, Viola Davis also got on Twitter to share her thoughts.
“Chadwick…..no words to express my devastation of losing you. Your talent, your spirit, your heart, your authenticity……..It was an honor working beside you, getting to know you….Rest well prince...May flights of angels sing thee to thy heavenly rest. I love you!”
#Gaye’s, let’s all take this time to remember the countless barriers that Boseman has dismantled for so many others and continue to keep his loved ones in our prayers.
Rest in Peace Black Panther & Black Mamba! View More Celebrity Tributes Here.
