It was a black Friday for the Black community and the world as a whole when Chadwick Boseman, known for his role in Marvel’s Black Panther passed away on Friday after a four-year battle with cancer.
Chadwick was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in 2016 before it progressed to Stage 4. He died at home with his wife and family aged 43, a statement shared on his Twitter account reveals.
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you so many of the films you have come to love so much,” the statement read. “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.”
Boseman during his acting days played Black icons such as James Brown, Thurgood Marshall, and Jackie Robinson, as well as a groundbreaking role as King T’Challa in Black Panther. “It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther,” the statement added.
The news of the actor’s death was met with shock and grief. Prominent figures had taken to social media to share their tributes for the fallen hero, including President Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Martin Luther King III, as well as Sean Diddy, Cardi B, Big Sean, Drake, SZA, and many more.
The Weekend, who contribute to the Black Panther soundtrack, was overcome with emotion when he learned about Boseman’s death. “this is too heartbreaking. gone way too soon. rip,” he wrote alongside a photo of the late actor.
“I’m so shocked and heartbroken about Chadwick,” John Legend tweeted. “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.”
While SZA, whose song “All the Stars” served as the theme to Black Panther, recalled meeting with the hero. “Down as hell about this shit . Wow .. thank you for changing our lives !!!… thank you for always being kind. I’m so Honored to have met you at all . A TRUE LEGEND AND LIGHT ! praying for your family’s guidance and ultimate healing rn Rest well King.”
Sean Diddy gratefully honored the real life superhero. “My brotha I’m truly gonna miss you! You brought all of our hero’s to life. We thank you! Rest In Peace Chadwick Boseman,” he wrote.
Ciara also reflected on meeting Chadwick, calling the actor “kindest, chill, and most peaceful person,” while Chris Brown shared a mural that he painted alongside Kobe Bryant in honor of Boseman’s Black Panther character.
Toni Braxton as well recalled Boseman telling her that his favorite song of hers was “You Mean the World to Me.” “Our makeup artists are friends and he used to get on the phone and ask me to sing ‘You Mean The World To Me’ because it was his favorite song of mine,” she recalled. “and now this song will be forever dedicated to him. Rest In Power, King.”
Big Sean was another celebrity who reflected on the actor’s “incredible work and sacrifice,” while The Game was reminded of Kobe Bryant’s tragic death. “Losses like this make you truly question things in life as a whole,” the Compton rapper said.
While Cardi B, who performed on “SNL” in 2018 when Boseman hosted, paid tribute to the “true warrior.” “Rest In Peace, KING. Shit is soo sad man. Praying for his family. All that work and impact he did while battling cancer. True warrior shit,” wrote Cardi B.
Elsewhere, big-name stars including Jennifer Lopez, Nas, 50 Cent, and Chance the Rapper also mourned the painful loss. Below are the selected few of the tributes.
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