In a year that has already seemed like the most shocking and terrible year in recent history, some very shocking news has come to light. Black Panther star, and star of many of great movies, Chadwick Boseman, has passed away from cancer at the age of 43. Surrounded by his wife and loved ones, Boseman died in his home in Los Angeles of colon cancer, of which he had been diagnosed with four years ago.
Besides his epic run as the King of Wakanda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Boseman brought grace and magnitude to every role he portrayed, including the biopics where he played Jackie Robinson in 42, showcasing the struggle of the first ever African American in Major League Baseball, and the iconic James Brown in Get On Up. His family made a statement, via AP News, on his passing:
“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.”
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020
Chadwick had kept his illness under wraps from the public, but recent photos of the prolific actor had many fans worried about his health, and apparently rightfully so. It’s hard to imagine this world without the actor who has embodied every role he’s undertaken, and brought joy to so many. He also was a huge civil rights activist, and helped bring light to some very dark but necessary conversations and issues. Chadwick Boseman, you will be missed.