Hollywood actor Chadwick Boseman, who gained fame for his role as Black Panther/King T’Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, has died after battling colon cancer for four years. He was 43. Besides Black Panther, Boseman was known for his performances in 42, Captain America: Civil War, Marshall, Avengers: Infinity War, 21 Bridges and Da 5 Bloods. His film Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is yet to be released.
Read More
His family released a statement on social media which read, “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 | Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman dies of cancer | Why Chadwick Boseman will always be remembered as Black Panther
The death of Chadwick Boseman has come as a shock to the film industry. Celebrities are paying tribute to the actor. Read less
In an earlier interview with Times, Chadwick Boseman had said he never imagined acting on stage or in front of the camera as he wasn’t ”raised to be the centre of attention.”
“I didn’t ever see myself on stage, or in front of the camera. Part of that is personality. I wasn’t necessarily raised to be the centre of attention. But I always had a story, a song, or a soundtrack going on in my head. I just never saw it as something you were supposed to do,” Boseman said.
Click for more updates and latest Hollywood News along with Bollywood and Entertainment updates. Also get latest news and top headlines from India and around the World at The Indian Express.
Celebrity photographer Art Streiber dedicated a long post to Chadwick Boseman who died on Friday.
monthly limit of free stories.
with an Express account.
Dwayne Johnson paid tribute to Chadwick Boseman on Instagram. Sharing the Black Panther actor's picture, he wrote, "This was hard to hear about. Hard to imagine the quiet pain and struggle you went thru all these years, yet still shined your powerful light and talents to inspire the world. Especially, our kids who finally saw themselves as a superhero — because of you. Rest in power, brother. My love and strength to your family. You will always press on with pride and purpose."
Stand-Up comedian James Andre Jefferson Jr posted a video from Black Panther and wrote, "He’s so much more than Black Panther but you have no idea what that role did for the black youth of the world. I grew up watching white superhero’s and never could relate to them. He gave our youth a hero to look up to; that looks like us. #ChadwickBosemanForever"
Bruce Lee's daughter posted a picture of Chadwick Boseman and wrote, "Dad, go say hi to Chadwick Boseman and tell him thank you for sharing his life and talent with us all. Rest In Peace, Chadwick. You will be missed."
Octavia Spencer shared a video on Instagram and wrote, "Sending healing prayers and my condolences to your loved ones. You have many as you were so beloved. I will miss your humility and strength, but will forever be inspired by your courage and resolve. It’s hard for me to say rest in peace because I’m having a difficult time letting you go. #ChadwickBoseman"
US Senator Kamala Harris paid tribute to Chadwick Boseman. She said she is "heartbroken" knowing about Chadwick's death.
"My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. From his groundbreaking work in Black Panther to his portrayal of Thurgood Marshall, Chadwick Boseman helped paint a new picture of what’s possible. Keeping his family, friends, and fans in my prayers during this difficult time," she wrote.
Sharing a picture on Instagram, Jamie Foxx wrote Chadwick Boseman will be "Forever missed"
Artist A Pass Bagonza shared two lessons he learnt from Chadwick Boseman's death. In a long note that he shared on Twitter, he mentioned, "Chadwick's death to me has revealed two important things. It's important to have good people around you, people who will keep your issues out of the public and give you a chance to fight your inner battles. Secondly, this man was so strong. He never gave up to the extent that he did not let his disease stop him from acting and following his dream to inspire many. He fought through all the pain and the hard moments in his life to even act Black Panther. May his soul rest in peace."
Actor Sai Dharam Tej thanked Chadwick Boseman for spreading love. In a tweet, he wrote, "thank you @chadwickboseman for not showing pain and for showing your commitment to put a smile on our faces #WakandaForever"
Remembering Chadwick Boseman, Rita Ora wrote, "A superhero on and off screen. Sending my love to the family and friends of Chadwick Boseman Rest In Peace"
Kevin Hart is hurt and shocked after knowing about Chadwick Boseman's death. "Man this shit hit different....I honestly can’t process it. I feel like you had so much more to do and give....we were about to do a movie together....You were so damn positive and spiritual. You were a great dude...you will truly be missed man. Rest In Peace King. Your legacy will live on forever," he wrote as a caption to a picture on Instagram.
Sharing a picture, Michelle Obama, former First Lady of USA, wrote, "I’ll always remember watching Chadwick in 42. Barack and I were alone in the White House, on a weekend night with the girls away. I was so profoundly moved by the rawness and emotion in the barrier-breaking story. And not long after, when he came to meet with young people in the State Dining Room, I saw that Chadwick’s brilliance on screen was matched by a warmth and sincerity in person. There’s a reason he could play Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and King T’Challa with such captivating depth and honesty. He, too, knew what it meant to truly persevere. He, too, knew that real strength starts inside. And he, too, belongs right t…
The Avengers actor Gwyneth Paltrow mentioned that she feels lucky to have spent some time with Chadwick Boseman on the set of the superheroes film. "I was so struck by his presence. He was the embodiment of the modern man; strong, intelligent, graceful, self-possessed. I am deeply sad to hear of his passing this morning. What a beautiful legacy he created in such a short life," she wrote.
Actor Olivia Wilde believes Chadwick Boseman has showed her the way to be better. She believes his passing away "should change everything." In an Instagram post, she wrote, "Couldn’t sleep last night after hearing the news of his passing. Can’t imagine what his family is going through. This feels like it should change everything. A new standard of being. Of working. Of persevering. We will work harder, and be better. We will be grateful for every day. We will lead with grace. Thank you for showing us the way."
The Avengers actor Gwyneth Paltrow mentioned that she feels lucky to have spent some time with Chadwick Boseman on the set of the superheroes film. "I was so struck by his presence. He was the embodiment of the modern man; strong, intelligent, graceful, self-possessed. I am deeply sad to hear of his passing this morning. What a beautiful legacy he created in such a short life," she wrote.
Filmmaker James Gunn had a hard time wrapping his head around the news of Chadwick Boseman's death.
In a series of tweets, he wrote, "Not only that Chadwick died from colon cancer, but that he had it the entire time I knew him, and did the amazing work and lived the life he did during that time. I didn’t know him well but he was always a good guy to me. I pray that his family find peace in this time of grief. And I‘ve been looking over chadwickboseman’s Twitter feed this morning learning about the charities & causes he cared about, even in the late stages of cancer, so that I can help forward those causes. Love to you all."
Russo Brothers paid tribute to Chadwick Boseman in a tweet. Sharing pictures from the sets of Black Panther, they mentioned, "Chadwick was such an elegant man with great integrity and tremendous talent. He inspired an entire generation to stand up and be king. Honor him by emulating him-show kindness and love to others. Share your talents in ways that impact. Always strive to be a light in the darkness."
Sharing a gif featuring himself with Chadwick Boseman, Robert Downey Jr wrote, "Mr. Boseman leveled the playing field while fighting for his life... That’s heroism... I’ll remember the good times, the laughter, and the way he changed the game... #chadwickforever"
Former US President Barack Obama mourned the loss of Chadwick Boseman. He tweeted, "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."
Taika Waititi reacted to the news of Chadwick Boseman passing away. He took to Twitter and wrote, "Devastating news. We lost a great one. #chadwickboseman"
Remembering Chadwick Boseman, Priyanka Chopra wrote, "This year has been so hard. What a tragic loss of a remarkably gifted talent. Chadwick, you fought a silent battle, all while giving us some of the most inspiring films of the last few years. Your legacy will live on forever. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones."
Tom Holland shared a photo on Instagram with a caption that read, "Chadwick, you were even more of a hero off screen than on. A role model not only to me on set, but to millions of others around the world. You brought joy and happiness to so many and I’m proud to have been able to call you a friend. RIP Chadwick"
Remembering Chadwick Boseman, Avengers actor Jeremy Renner wrote, "Chadwick is an inspiration, a warrior with a big kind heart that I’ll never forget. I’m so deeply heartbroken by his passing. Sending love to the Boseman family ... R.I.P."
Actor Jason Momoa, paying tribute to Chadwick Boseman, wrote, "all my aloha and condolences to his ohana. i’m truly gutted. what a wonderful spirit. i’m so sorry RIP"
Gemma Chan wrote a moving tribute for Chadwick Boseman. She took to Instagram and wrote, ""Every person makes a seed grow. One person comes in and waters it. Another person tills the soil. But you know you are making an impact on the world. You know you are changing somebody's mind."
She continued, "My heart is so heavy at this news. To have given so much when he was privately suffering. He understood the power of his work and because of him many more kids, particularly young black girls and boys, will be able to see heroes in themselves. I'm sorry we never got to work together. Deepest condolences to your family. Rest in Power, King. @chadwickboseman"
Josh Brolin commented, "Safe travels, brother. With the heaviest heart do I watch you leave."
Reacting to Chadwick Boseman's death, Zoe Saldana wrote, "The classiest avenger and most quiet warrior. My heart is heavy right now. I wished I had the courage to tell you how your performance of T’Challa was the best portrayal of a King I had ever seen. Rest in Power and Grace Brother. My sons will know your name forever!"
Reacting to the news of Chadwick Boseman's death, Dave Bautista tweeted that he "really hate 2020."
"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," Sterling K Brown said via Twitter.
Ryan Reynolds called Chadwick Boseman's passing away "a brutal loss."
Channing Tatum paid his tribute to Chadwick Boseman. In an Instagram post, he mentioned, "There just aren’t words to describe losing such a brilliantly talented and powerful man. I didn’t know you well. But the little time i got to spend with you. It was clear as day. You had the light. Rest in power. And keep shining from above man."
Actor Angela Bassett, who played T’Challa’s mother in Black Panther, reflected on her strong connection with Chadwick Boseman. On Instagram, she wrote, “It was meant to be for Chadwick and me to be connected, for us to be family. But what many don’t know is our story began long before his historic turn as Black Panther. During the premiere party for Black Panther, Chadwick reminded me of something. He whispered that when I received my honorary degree from Howard University, his alma mater, he was the student assigned to escort me that day. And here we were, years later as friends and colleagues, enjoying the most glorious night ever! We’d spent weeks prepping, working, sitting next to each other every morning in makeup chairs, preparing for the day together as mother and son. I am honored that we enjoyed that full circle experience. This young man’s dedication was awe-inspiring, his smile contagious, his talent unreal. So I pay tribute to a beautiful spirit, a consummate artist, a soulful brother… ‘thou aren’t not dead but flown afar…’ All you possessed, Chadwick, you freely gave. Rest now, sweet prince. #WakandaForever.”
In a statement, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said, “Chadwick’s passing is absolutely devastating. He was our T’Challa, our Black Panther, and our dear friend. Each time he stepped on set, he radiated charisma and joy, and each time he appeared on screen, he created something truly indelible. He embodied a lot of amazing people in his work, and nobody was better at bringing great men to life. He was as smart and kind and powerful and strong as any person he portrayed. Now he takes his place alongside them as an icon for the ages. The Marvel Studios family deeply mourns his loss, and we are grieving tonight with his family.”
Mark Ruffalo said it was his "highest honor" to work with Chadwick Boseman. In a tweet, he mentioned, "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."
John Legend is "shocked and heartbroken" to know about Chadwick Boseman's demise. He tweeted, "I’m so shocked and heartbroken about Chadwick. He was such a bright light, such a gifted performer. He brought grace, elegance and power to everything he did. He always seemed to carry our ancestors with him. And now he joins them far too soon."
Ritika Singh tweeted, "We lost a true fighter. A true hero! Rest in peace King T’challa. You have touched so many lives. You will continue to live forever in our hearts!"
Chris Pratt took to Instagram and wrote, "My prayers go out to Chadwick’s family and loved ones. The world will miss his tremendous talent. God rest his soul. #wakandaforever"
“We are all heartbroken by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman—an extraordinary talent, and one of the most gentle and giving souls I have ever met,” said Robert A. Iger, Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board, The Walt Disney Company.
Recalling her memories of working with Chadwick Boseman, Avengers actor Brie Larson wrote, "Chadwick was someone who radiated power and peace. Who stood for so much more than himself. Who took the time to really see how you were doing and gave words of encouragement when you felt unsure. I am honoured to have the memories I have. The conversations, the laughter. My heart is with you and your family. You will be missed and never forgotten. Rest in power and peace my friend."
DC Comics, through their official Twitter handle, paid tribute to Black Panther actor Chandwick Boseman. They tweeted, "To a hero who transcends universes. Wakanda Forever. Rest in Power Chadwick."
Bollywood actors Anushka Sharma, Ranveer Singh, Varun Dhawan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and others took to their Instagram accounts to pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman.
Randeep Hooda tweeted, "RIP #ChadwickBoseman you brought about change in the stereotype superhero and gave us a genuine #BlackPanther condolences and strength to the family"
In a tweet, Billy Porter mentioned, "THERE ARE NO WORDS. I am SPEECHLESS. R.I.P. Chadwick Boseman. You’ve inspired a generation of young black youth to discover their roots & reminded us all that we are ROYALTY! Thank you for leaving your mark & making a real difference."
Idina Menzel tweeted, "I didn’t know you personally but I feel tremendous aching loss. Thank you sir. You will forever be a hero in our home. Such talent, such bravery , such grace."
Jeffrey Wright wrote, "This man was diagnosed in 2016 & yet all of this powerful work!! I'm vibrating between immense joy for him & such sadness. But the sadness takes over. Condolences to his loved ones. He lives in the mythic"
Actor Josh Gad took to Twitter to share his last conversation with Chadwick Boseman. He mentioned, "Breaking my twitter silence to share some beauty. This was one of my final texts from the brilliant & once-in-lifetime talent, @chadwickboseman - take this in & celebrate life. He knew how precious every moment was. Tonight the Heavens received one of its most powerful angels."
Julianne Moore tweeted, "#rip @chadwickboseman - a great great talent and a lovely person. My heart goes out to his family."
Kate Hudson is devastated to know about Chadwick Boseman's passing away. On Instagram, she wrote, "I have no words, just love and tears at the moment. Sending all this love to his family and all the film families that had the pleasure to work along side this beautiful man. Rest my friend @chadwickboseman"
On Instagram, Pharrell Williams paid tribute to Chadwick Boseman. Sharing a picture, Williams wrote, "Thank you for lifting us. Rest in Power, King."
Actor Jennifer Garner said the loss of Chadwick Boseman is "specifically painful." She wrote, "Loss after loss in 2020, but this one is specifically painful. An artist, a scholar, a gentleman. May your memory be a blessing, Chadwick."
Sharing a picture of Chadwick Boseman, Nick Jonas wrote, "I never knew you personally, but I have been a fan from the first time I saw you on screen. Your legacy will always live on. You will be missed. Rest in power Chadwick. Sending love to your family and friends in this difficult time."
Nimrat Kaur shared a photo of Chadwick Boseman with a broken heart emoticon.
Ali Fazal is shocked to know about the passing away of Chadwick Boseman. In a tweet, he wrote, "No no no! #chadwickboseman. No god no.. what is happening!!!!"
Jennifer Hudson tweeted, "This year is to much! My God! But we have to trust God has his reasons! If you think you’ve seen it all just keep on living! Rest In Peace."
Mourning the loss of Chadwick Boseman, Nivin Pauly tweeted, "Beyond heartbreaking to hear about #ChadwickBoseman passing away. Gone too soon! Rest In Peace King!"
Anupam Kher paid tribute to Chadwick Boseman. In a tweet, he mentioned, "Deeply saddened to know about the sad demise of #BlackPanther actor #ChadwickBoseman at such a young age. Apart from being a very fine actor, he was a humble man with an infectious smile. My condolences to his family, friends & fans!"
Actor Samuel L Jackson thanked Chadwick Boseman for his contribution to cinema. In a tweet, he wrote, "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"
Remembering Chadwick Boseman, Calvin Roberson wrote, "My heart sank. What an amazing testament he was to strength and tenacity. He accomplished great feats portraying Black American icons, while battling a terminal illness. His legacy lives on. Prayers for his wife and family."
Khloe Kardashian said the news of Chadwick Boseman passing away is "beyond heartbreaking".
"My thoughts and prayers are with your family and the ones who are hurting. May God bless us all and May we learn to not take a day for granted. Rest In Peace King!" she tweeted.