Chadwick Boseman hinted at his secret battle with colon cancer in a resurfaced interview from 2017.
The Black Panther star was just 43 years old at the time of his passing, which was confirmed by his family in a heartbreaking post on Saturday.
The actor kept his four-year battle with the stage III cancer private, filming top movies while undergoing surgeries and chemotherapy.
In an interview with the Huffington Post three years ago, Chadwick spoke about the difficulties of preparing his body for the role of King T’Challa in Black Panther – stating: “You have no idea. One day I’ll live to tell the story.”
I interviewed Chadwick Boseman in 2017, and to think he was going through cancer while satisfying the physical demands of a Marvel movie…https://t.co/MAB1ZYdcGS pic.twitter.com/eLdear66IU
— Matt Jacobs (@tarantallegra) August 29, 2020
Reporter Matthew Jacobs noted that the actor looked “exhausted” at the time of the interview, telling the star he had been “through the wringer”.
Chadwick, who had been diagnosed with the cancer the year prior, responded: “Oh, you don’t even know. You have no idea. One day I’ll live to tell the story.”
Chadwick’s death was confirmed in a heartbreaking social media post made by his family, who revealed he was surrounded by his wife Taylor Simone Ledward and family in his LA home when he passed.
“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.”
