TRIBUTES have been paid to Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman after his death at the age of 43 following a battle with cancer.
Boseman’s family announced last night that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago and died surrounded by his loved ones, including wife Taylor Simone Ledward.
He did not discuss his illness publicly and films like Black Panther, Da 5 Bloods and Avengers: Endgame were all filmed “during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy,” the family said.
Tributes to Boseman poured in from across the entertainment world.
Marvel president Kevin Feige, who cast the actor as Black Panther, said his death was “absolutely devastating,” while Get Out and Us filmmaker Jordan Peele called it a “crushing blow”.
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020
Boseman was cast by Marvel as T’Challa, the king of fictional African nation Wakanda, in 2014, and made his debut as the character in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War.
The release of Black Panther in 2018, two years after Boseman was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer, was a huge moment for representation in Hollywood.
The film and Boseman’s portrayal of the titular superhero achieved universal acclaim as well as huge success at the box office.
It grossed more than 1.3 billion dollars worldwide (about £974 million) and earned an Academy Award best picture nomination, the first superhero movie to do so.
Announcing his death, the family said: “It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman. It was the honour of his life to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”
Joe Biden, the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, praised Boseman’s impact, saying his portrayal of Black Panther “inspired generations”.
He said: “The true power of @ChadwickBoseman was bigger than anything we saw on screen. From the Black Panther to Jackie Robinson, he inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even super heroes.”
Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/C5xGkUi9oZ
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 29, 2020
Biden added he and wife Jill were praying for Boseman’s loved ones. His running mate, Kamala Harris, also paid tribute.
Harris said: “Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family.”
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