Sad news has shaken the world of entertainment. Chadwick Boseman has passed away at the young age of 43. The actor best known for his roles in Black Panther, Marshall, and 42 died at his Los Angeles home on Friday after a 4-year battle with colon cancer. He was surrounded by his wife and family members, according to his representative. The news was confirmed via Twitter.
“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” the statement reads on Boseman’s Twitter account. “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. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.”
The Marvel star’s death coincides with the MLB’s day of celebration in honor of Brooklyn Dodger baseball player Jackie Robinson. Jackie Robinson Day marks the No. 42 baseball player’s remarkable strides in spite of racism and discrimination.
Boseman was born in Anderson, South Carolina on November 29, 1976 to a nurse and factory worker. With aspirations to become a writer and director, Boseman would attend HBCU Howard University before studying acting abroad in the Oxford Mid-Summer Program at the British American Drama Academy. Prestigious actor Denzel Washington paid for Boseman’s tuition for the program after convincing him to try acting instead of writing and directing.
Boseman would eventually move to Los Angeles and land roles in shorts and TV series. Many fans remember the star for his role as Nathaniel Ray in the 2008 TV series Lincoln Heights. He also starred in Persons Unknown as Graham McNair in 2010. But, it wasn’t until his breakout role as Jackie Robinson in 42 that he became a household name.
His career would be filled with him playing iconic real life portrayals of famous people, such as James Brown in Get on Up and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall. In addition, he would play the infamous Black Panther character T’Challa in a series of Marvel films, including Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. Some of his last projects included the Spike Lee film Da 5 Bloods and 21 Bridges.
Boseman is survived by his wife, singer Taylor Simone Ledward.
