Chadwick Boseman has left this world far too soon. The “Black Panther” star passed away at just 43 years old after a four year battle with colon cancer.
Boseman meant so much to so many. His work was so important. It meant so much — specifically for Black people in America. He constantly took on iconic roles playing prominent Black figures, some fictional and some not.
His most prominent role was in the 2018 Marvel film “Black Panther” as T’Challa, the king of Wakanda. Finally, we got a superhero movie with a majority Black cast and an African protagonist. It was also written and directed by a Black director in Ryan Coogler. And Boseman was the one at the center of it all.
It didn’t stop there, though. He also played Jackie Robinson in “42,” Thurgood Marshall in “Marshall” and James Brown in “Get on Up.” All historic and prominent Black icons. All roles Boseman took on — some while battling cancer. That’s just incredible strength from a man who undoubtedly became an icon in his own right.
His passing was announced via his Twitter account on Friday night.
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020
Everyone collectively mourned.
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/QNvzuZgAbe
— Black Panther (@theblackpanther) August 29, 2020
We are devastated by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman. His transcendent performance in “42” will stand the test of time and serve as a powerful vehicle to tell Jackie’s story to audiences for generations to come. pic.twitter.com/8oU7QpdLSE
— MLB (@MLB) August 29, 2020
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
Chadwick was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago, per reports. During that time, he gave us Civil War, Marshall, Black Panther, Infinity War, Endgame, 21 Bridges and Da 5 Bloods. Lord only knows what he was going through on a daily basis.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) August 29, 2020
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
Thinking about all the stuff Chadwick Boseman made and did after a devastating diagnosis and in the midst of what must have been absolutely grueling treatments. And all that with no one outside his circle catching on at all. Truly an amazing talent. What a cruel, cruel loss. RIP
— Patrick Monahan (@pattymo) August 29, 2020
Some remembered the inspirational messages he left for us.
Take two minutes for Chadwick Boseman’s inspirational message from his 2018 Howard University commencement speech. At the time, he was two years into his private stage 3 cancer fight. pic.twitter.com/2n8FzgS7fP
— Don Van Natta Jr. (@DVNJr) August 29, 2020
“Purpose is the essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history. Your very existence is wrapped up in the things you are here to fulfill." –Chadwick Boseman ❤️
— TINASHE (@Tinashe) August 29, 2020
All along, the superhero was him. pic.twitter.com/VvOdcbFUP4
— Fernand R. Amandi (@AmandiOnAir) August 29, 2020
And some remembered the iconic roles he played.
T'Challa in Black Panther
Jackie Robinson in 42
James Brown in Get on Up
Thurgood Marshall in MarshallIconic figures. Iconic roles.
RIP Chadwick Boseman pic.twitter.com/Mjt68cLXWI
— The Undefeated (@TheUndefeated) August 29, 2020
R.I.P 💔 pic.twitter.com/TIZxOw2Pwk
— BANKS 🦍 (@Bankslvrd) August 29, 2020
Others remembered the moments of pure joy that he gave people — both on and off the screen.
Chadwick Boseman surprising 'Black Panther' fans on @jimmyfallon pic.twitter.com/eMiQHRZRqo
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) August 29, 2020
After remembering everything he gave us, some put his legacy into perspective. This tweet captures that, perfectly.
Chadwick Boseman played Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson, James Brown, Floyd Little and T’Challa. Someday, someone will get to play him.
— Adi Joseph (@AdiJoseph) August 29, 2020
Well said. Rest in peace, Chadwick Boseman. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.
