Boseman's illness was not public knowledge until the announcement early this morning, "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." The statement noted that bringing the role of King T'Challa to Black Panther "was the honor of his [Boseman's] career".
Boseman died at home, with his wife and family by his side, according to the statement. "The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time," it concluded.
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020The star's breakout performance was that of "42" in 2013, a biography film where he played Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. He joined Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2016, introducing T'Challa/Black Panther in "Captain America: Civil War" (2016), and getting a stand-alone film, "Black Panther" in 2018. Grossing $1.3 billion in box office earnings, "Black Panther" became the second highest grossing film of 2018, the fourth highest-grossing Marvel film ever and the ninth-highest grossing film of all time, and talks were in place for a 2022 sequel.
"Black Panther", a predominantly black cast action film, marked a cultural footprint and its significance transcended borders. "Black Panther was an expression of Afrofuturism—an ethos that fuses African mythologies, technology and science fiction and serves to rebuke conventional depictions of (or, worse, efforts to bring about) a future bereft of black people", Jamil Smith of TIME notes - Boseman made it to the magazine's annual TIME 100 list, influential people of 2018.
Boseman's other movies included "Get on Up" (2014), "Marshall" (2017), "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019).
Celebrities have taken to social media to pay tribute to the fallen hero;
"Us" Movie director Jordan Peele simply tweeted, "This is a crushing blow"
Director Ava Duvernay said, "May you have a beautiful return, King. We will miss you so."
Boseman's co-stars, Chris Evans (Captain America) expressed his "absolute devastation", and Brie Larson (Captain Marvel) noted that Chadwick "will be missed and never forgotten".
Denzel Washington described the 43-year-old as "a gentle soul and a brilliant artist, who will stay with us for eternity through his iconic performances over his short yet illustrious career".
A warrior of light til the very end. A true king. I am without words. May he rise in power. https://t.co/50nfbvZpAq
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) August 29, 2020
It was the highest honor getting to work with you and getting to know you. What a generous and sincere human being. You believed in the sacred nature of the work and gave your all. Much love to your family. And much love from all of us left here.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 29, 2020
