We all know for a fact that 2020 already sucks big time, but as the great Edward Murphy and his law once said, “anything that can go wrong will go wrong,” and it seems to have led us to where we are now—mourning for the death of the Black Panther himself, Chadwick Boseman.
Boseman, who’s best known for his portrayal of King T’Challa in the Marvel film “Black Panther,” recently succumbed to colon cancer after a four-year battle. His family released a statement on his social media to announce his passing:
“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.”
Boseman started his acting career on TV, and then shifted to the big screen in 2012 with “The Killhole.” But his portrayal of major league baseball star Jackie Robinson in the movie “42” alongside Harrison Ford set in motion his gradual rise to stardom in Hollywood.
His character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was first introduced in “Captain America: Civil War” in 2016, and then eventually became the story lead two years later with the release of the “Black Panther.” Because of its cultural importance in creating a populist movement for African Americans everywhere, it’s the only Marvel film to get an Oscar nod for best picture.
While waiting for the reprise of his role as King T’Challa (which was supposedly scheduled for release in May 2022), he was able to portray an NYPD detective in last year’s “21 Bridges,” which he also produced, and an African American squad leader in Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods” released only last June.
Boseman’s last work was in August Wilson’s Netflix film “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” starring opposite Viola Davis, and they finished shooting just last summer.
Fellow actors turned friends paid tribute to the man that he was.
“It was the highest honor getting to work with you and getting to know you. What a generous and sincere human being. You believed in the sacred nature of the work and gave your all. Much love to your family. And much love from all of us left here,” said Mark Ruffalo in a Tweet.
It was the highest honor getting to work with you and getting to know you. What a generous and sincere human being. You believed in the sacred nature of the work and gave your all. Much love to your family. And much love from all of us left here.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 29, 2020
“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” said Chris Evans, who also starred alongside him in several Marvel movies.
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
Rest in peace, Chadwick Boseman. Wakanda forever!
