Hollywood is still reeling from the passing of Chadwick Boseman.
The Black Panther star died on Friday (August 28) at the age of 43, after a four-year battle with colon cancer. Chadwick never publicly discussed his ongoing health struggles and continued to work for most of his career. His passing, which was announced on his social media accounts, sent shockwaves throughout Hollywood and fans around the world.
The statement posted on social media reads:
“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.”
Heartfelt tributes continue to pour in from Chadwick’s co-stars and friends.
Danai Gurira (via Instagram):
“How do you honor a king? Reeling from the loss of my colleague, my friend, my brother. Struggling for words. Nothing feels adequate. I always marveled at how special Chadwick was. Such a pure hearted, profoundly generous, regal, fun guy. My entire job as Okoye was to respect and protect a king. Honor his leadership. Chadwick made that job profoundly easy. He was the epitome of kindness, elegance, diligence and grace. On many an occasion I would think how thankful I was that he was the leading man I was working closely with. A true class act. And so perfectly equipped to take on the responsibility of leading the franchise that changed everything for Black representation.
He made everyone feel loved, heard and seen. He played great, iconic roles because he possessed inside of himself that connection to greatness to be able to so richly bring them to life. He had a heroic spirit, and marched to the beat of his own drum; hence his excellence as an artist and the incredible courage and determination as he faced life’s challenges; while still guiding us all.
He was zen and sweet and funny (with the very best laugh), attentive, and truly, truly, good. I can’t even wrap my mind around this loss. A loss resonating in my own heart as well as around the globe. The children he inspired, my heart aches for them, to lose their hero just as they finally found him. I am so thankful to have taken the Black Panther journey with him. To have known him, spent time in his light and leadership and to call him forever a friend.
Lala Ngoxolo Kumkani.”
Robert Downey Jr. (via Instagram):
“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”
Angela Basset (via Instagram):
“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”
Sterling K. Brown (via Twitter):
“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.”
Chris Hemsworth (via Instagram):
“Gonna miss you mate. Absolutely heartbreaking. One of the kindest most genuine people I’ve met. Sending love and support to all the family xo RIP @chadwickboseman”
Chris Evans (via Instagram):
“I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking. Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. Few performers have such power and versatility. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in power, King. 💙”
Mark Ruffalo (via Twitter):
“All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman. What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya. Rest in power, King.”
Brie Larson (via Instagram):
“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’m honored 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.”
Samuel L. Jackson (via Twitter):
“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. RIP”
Don Cheadle (via Twitter):
“i will miss you, birthday brother. you were always light and love to me. my god … ✌🏿Heart suitRaised fist Man gesturing not ok forever and ever …”
Anthony and Joe Russo (via Instagram):
“This is hard to process. Chadwick was an incredibly elegant man with great integrity and tremendous talent. He inspired an entire generation to stand up and be king…
The best way to honor him is to emulate him – show kindness and love to others. Share your talents in ways that impact. Always strive to be a light in the darkness…”
Marvel Studios (via Instagram):
“Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman’s family. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace.”
DC Comics (via Twitter):
“To a hero who transcends universes. Wakanda Forever. Rest in Power Chadwick.”
Ava DuVernay (via Twitter):
“May you have a beautiful return, King. We will miss you so.”
Jordan Peele (via Twitter):
“This is a crushing blow.”
Dwayne Wade (via Twitter):
“Rest in Heaven 👑”
The Academy of Motion picture Arts and Sciences
“An immeasurable loss. From ‘Black Panther’ to ‘Da 5 Bloods,’ Chadwick Boseman brought strength and light to the screen, every time.”
Mariah Carey (via Twitter):
“This is heartbreaking. Thank you for persevering through it all. You leave behind an incredible body of work and an inspiring legacy. Rest in power. Chadwick Forever.”
Bob Iger (via Twitter):
“We are all heartbroken by the tragic loss of #chadwickboseman — an extraordinary talent, and one of the most gentle and giving souls I have ever met. He brought enormous strength, dignity and depth to his groundbreaking role of Black Panther; shattering myths and stereotypes, becoming a long-awaited hero to millions around the world, and inspiring us all to dream bigger and demand more than the status quo. We mourn all that he was, as well as everything he was destined to become.
For his friends and millions of fans, his absence from the screen is only eclipsed by his absence from our lives. All of us at Disney send our prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Martin Lawrence (via Twitter):
“I am beyond shocked to hear of the passing of Chadwick Boseman. He had an amazing energy that you could feel when you were with him. Much love and prayers to his family. May he Rest In Peace.”
Kevin Hart (via Instagram):
“I have no words….This shit hurts. Just a all around good brother. You will be missed…. Rest well King”
LeBron James (via Instagram):
“Rest In Paradise King 👑!”
Halle Berry (via Twitter):
“Here’s to an incredible man with immeasurable talent, who leaned into life regardless of his personal battles. You never truly know what the people around you might be going through – treat them with kindness and cherish every minute you have together. RIP”
Gabrielle Union (via Twitter):
“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💙”
Kerry Washington (via Twitter):
“A warrior of light til the very end. A true king. I am without words. May he rise in power.”
Taika Waititi (via Twitter):
“Devastating news. We lost a great one.”
Viola Davis (via Twitter):
“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! 💛💛💛”
John Legend (via Twitter):
“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.”
Kamala Harris (via Twitter):
“Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family.”
Denzel Washington (via Instagram):
“Words can’t begin to describe the pain that many of us, especially his family are feeling right now. Had to imagine the quiet pain and struggle you went thru all these years, yet still you shined and motivated us all. Live like a Superhero die like a Legend. Rest In Power KING 🙌🏿✊🏿🖤”
Issa Rae (via Instagram):
“Fell asleep crying. Woke up crying. I don’t know why this one hurts so badly. Maybe it’s because we lost a literal Black superhero. Maybe it’s because your grace, class, kindness and dignity is so rare. Maybe it’s because you had to suffer in silence for so long, while some speculated, cruelly. Maybe it’s because we didn’t need to see another Black man’s life cut short. Maybe it’s because your Denzel-anointed legacy had so much more to offer. Maybe it’s because you felt like ours with every role you chose to embody. Maybe it’s because God wanted your light a bit closer.
You will be so missed. Thank you for everything.”
Rest in power, Chadwick. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.
