Chadwick Boseman Dies at 43: His Marvel Co-Stars & More Mourn the Actor

Samantha Lear
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Chadwick Boseman Tributes
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for MTV

Chadwick Boseman, the iconic star of Black Panther, has died at 43 after a four-year battle with colon cancer.

The actor, who recently starred in Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods on Netflix, was initially diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in 2016 which eventually progressed to Stage 4, as his personal Twitter account shared on Friday. He never spoke about his diagnosis publicly.

“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” the statement reads on Twitter. “It was the honor of his life to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”

Boseman got his start on TV series like Fringe, Persons Unknown, Lincoln Heights, and Castle. He was known for portraying real-life icons on the big screen like Jackie Robinson in 42, James Brown in Get on Up, and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall. In 2018, the actor hit it big when he starred as T’Challa in Black Panther, the first Black Marvel superhero. He went on to revive the character in a string of Avengers movies.

Many in Hollywood, including a number of Boseman’s former co-stars and friends, have taken to social media to mourn the young talent’s passing. Scroll down to read some of those emotional tributes.

 

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“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

A post shared by Angela Bassett (@im.angelabassett) on

 

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My prayers go out to Chadwick’s family and loved ones. The world will miss his tremendous talent. God rest his soul. #wakandaforever

A post shared by chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) on

 

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live your legacy now. live forever. rest well bredren. 👑

A post shared by jesse Williams (@ijessewilliams) on

 

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Rest in Power King T’Challa. My heart is so heavy right now. Your passing has hit me hard. I will tell my sons about you forever. You were one of the classiest men I have ever met in my life. It was an honor to have shared minutes with you on screen and to have crossed paths with you during press. Though our acquaintance was light you always left a lasting impression because of your energy, poise and gentle manner. May the Universe deliver you to your promise land brother. ~ Que en paz y en poder logres descansar finalmente. Con lo poco que estuviste aquí, dejaste un legado increíble!!!

A post shared by Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana) on

Chadwick Boseman

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