Chadwick Boseman, who brought the character T’Challa to life in the Black Panther, died of colon cancer Friday. He was 43. The actor privately fought a four-year battle and passed away in his Los Angeles home with his family by his side. His publicist Nicki Fioravante confirmed the news with The Associated Press.
Boseman ignited many roles throughout his career that put him on the map as one of the industry’s best. From playing Black icons like Jackie Robinson and James Brown to his outstanding performance in the “Marvel cinematic universe,” he approached every role with a unique ability to draw you into that particular character. When you saw him play Thurgood Marshall, he was that and all of his other memorable roles. He was a one-of-a-kind talent who continued to work while ill.
Chadwick Boseman surprising fans in a touching video on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” his family said in the statement. “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.”
Immediate news reactions came from actor and director Jordan Peele on Twitter, “This is a crushing blow,” and actor and writer Issa Rae wrote, “This broke me.”
The South Carolina native, who graduated from Howard University, will be missed.
By BSM Team
(Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)
