Chadwick Boseman lost a four-year battle with colon cancer at the age of 43. He had become a household name with the unprecedented success of Black Panther (2018). As the news of his untimely demise hit social media, Hollywood remembered a versatile actor who possessed a wealth of untapped possibilities.
Boseman’s family confirmed the news on his Twitter on Friday night that he died with his wife, singer Taylor Simone Ledward, and family by his side. Calling Boseman “a true fighter,” the family said he was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and “battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV.”
Angela Bassett, who played Boseman’s mother in Black Panther, shared a range of photos of the two on Instagram.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Angela Bassett (@im.angelabassett) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:34pm PDT
“Chadwick…..no words to express my devastation of losing you,” Viola Davis, who stars with Boseman in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, tweeted. “Your talent, your spirit, your heart, your authenticity……..It was an honor working beside you, getting to
Chadwick.....no words to express my devastation of losing you. Your talent, your spirit, your heart, your authenticity........It was an honor working beside you, getting to know you....Rest well prince...May flights of angels sing thee to thy heavenly rest. I love you! ??? pic.twitter.com/6abglPBOsh
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) August 29, 2020
Jordan Peele tweeted: “This is a crushing blow.”
This is a crushing blow.
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) August 29, 2020
“Chadwick was special,” wrote Chris Evans. “A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create.”
I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking.
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) August 29, 2020
Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King? pic.twitter.com/oBERXlw66Z
Brie Larson tweeted: “I’m honored to have the memories I have. The conversations, the laughter. My heart is with with you and your family. You will be missed and never forgotten.”
— Brie Larson (@brielarson) August 29, 2020
“I’m gonna have to tell Cy, Bowie and Zen that T’Challa has passed,” Zoe Saldana said, referring to her children. “What other king can I tell them about now?”
I’m gonna have to tell Cy, Bowie and Zen that T’Challa has passed. What other king can I tell them about now? pic.twitter.com/AFEFxJOFd5
— Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana) August 29, 2020
“Hard to hear about this. Rest in love, brother,” Dwayne Johnson tweeted. “Thank you for shining your light and sharing your talent with the world. My love and strength to your family.”
Hard to hear about this.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 29, 2020
Rest in love, brother.
Thank you for shining your light and sharing your talent with the world. My love and strength to your family. https://t.co/hNAWav7Cq8
Tributes from other celebrities, studios, and even presidential candidates poured in.
Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman’s family. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/DyibBLoBxz
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) August 29, 2020
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. Jill and I are praying for his loved ones at this difficult time.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 29, 2020
What a gentle gifted SOUL. Showing us all that Greatness in between surgeries and chemo. The courage, the strength, the Power it takes to do that. This is what Dignity looks like. https://t.co/U3OOnJVS42
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) August 29, 2020
Devastating news. We lost a great one. Takoto mai rā e Āriki. #chadwickboseman
— Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) August 29, 2020
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
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Mahershala Ali (@mahershalaali) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:25pm PDT
An immeasurable loss. From "Black Panther" to "Da 5 Bloods," Chadwick Boseman brought strength and light to the screen, every time. pic.twitter.com/vRXxYU8Tbr
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 29, 2020
RIP Chadwick Boseman.
— Khalid (@thegreatkhalid) August 29, 2020
This is so unbelievable, sending love & light to your family ???
Such a brutal loss. RIP, Chadwick.
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) August 29, 2020
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020
