Chadwick Boseman has passed away after a private battle with colon cancer.
The Black Panther star was just 43 years old at the time of his passing, which was confirmed by his family this morning in a heartbreaking post.
“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” the family shared.
“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.”
Chadwick rose to fame following his roles of Jackie Robinson in 42 (2013) and James Brown in Get On Up (2014), before joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as T’Challa.
In a 2018 interview with Entertainment Weekly, the actor was overcome with emotion as he discussed Black Panther’s impact on two young fans – who were fighting terminal cancer and passed away before the film’s release.
“Throughout our filming, I was communicating with them, knowing they were both terminal,” he said at the time.
“What they and their parents said to me was, they were trying to hold on till this movie comes. To a certain degree it’s a humbling experience because you’re like, this can’t mean that much to them. But seeing how the world has taken this on, I realise they anticipated something great.”
“Thinking back now to when I was a kid, waiting for Christmas to come, waiting for my birthday to come, waiting for a toy I was gonna get a chance to experience, or a video game, I did live life waiting for those moments.
“It put me back in the mind of being a kid and feeling those two boys’ anticipation of this movie…. It means a lot.”
Tributes have poured in for the star following the news of his tragic death, which happened at home surrounded by his family and wife Taylor Simone Ledward.
Chadwick gave you something different in every role. You can tell he really was an actor that was deeply invested in research and his craft. From Howard University, To Oxford to The Big screen. He was the best of us and he will be deeply missed.
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) August 29, 2020
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. pic.twitter.com/Hj8Cb1IfZS
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) August 29, 2020
Rest in eternal paradise @chadwickboseman. You’ll be remembered forever for your greatness. You gave kids around the world hope that they can be superheroes especially young black ones. I hope 2020 is anomaly man. We’ve lost too many 😪#ripchadwickboseman
— Daniel Sturridge (@DanielSturridge) August 29, 2020
This is a crushing blow.
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) August 29, 2020
