Chadwick Boseman spent his career playing historical icons and changed the way we see superheroes with his ground-breaking role in Black Panther. His sudden death at age 43 left his co-stars and fans heartbroken, as many of them shared touching tributes celebrating his legacy.
Boseman’s family released an official statement announcing his passing and revealed he’s been battling colon cancer since 2016 when he was diagnosed with this illness. They described him as “a true fighter” and discovered he filmed some of his best films between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.
Boseman never shared his diagnosis with the world, and his sudden death was a huge shock for his fans and co-stars. Many Hollywood veterans, including his fellow Avengers Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo, posted touching tributes celebrating his life and legacy.
Disney CEO Bob Iger described Boseman as an extraordinary talent and a gentle soul and praised him for pushing boundaries with his role in the MCU.
“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,” said Iger in a statement.
Boseman’s big break came in 2013 when he portrayed baseball legend Jackie Robinson in sports drama 42. In addition to playing Black Panther in several Marvel movies, he starred in Get on Up, Marshall, 21 Bridges, and Da 5 Bloods. His final film Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom will be released by Netflix later this year.