‘Black Panther’ star Chadwick Boseman dies at age 43

Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman has passed away. He was 43, according to Variety. The news was shared to the actor’s personal Twitter account late Friday evening.

The post states that the Marvel star died from stage 4 colon cancer. Boseman had been diagnosed at stage 3 in 2016 and continued filming his many iconic movie roles around treatment. You can see the full statement below.

It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman

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 family thanks you for your love and prayers and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.

More on Chadwick Boseman’s career

Boseman first entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Captain America: Civil War in 2016. Black Panther premiered in 2018, and he pulled on the super suit again later that year for Avengers: Infinity War and for Avengers: Endgame in 2019.

Black Panther quickly became the highest-grossing superhero movie in the U.S. of the time. It was nominated for three Golden Globe Awards and seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, marking a first for the superhero genre. The film won three Oscars for Best Original Score, Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. Boseman also won a SAG Award with his co-stars for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

In addition to Black Panther, Boseman is also known for portraying historical figures Jackie Robinson in 42, James Brown in Get On Up and Thurgood Marshall in the aforementioned Marshall.

His most recent film, Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods, debuted on Netflix in June. Boseman will be appearing in another film on the streaming service, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Based on August Wilson’s play and produced by Denzel Washington, the movie is expected later this year.

The actor was set to appear in Black Panther II, which was announced by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige at D23 in August 2019. Feige also confirmed Ryan Coogler was returning to direct the sequel. While the movie is in development and currently set to release May 6, 2022, it hasn’t been confirmed that any footage has been filmed. He has also voiced Black Panther for the animated Disney+ show What If…?, which is currently still in production and expected to arrive in 2021.

Tributes to Chadwick Boseman

Marvel shared a tribute to the late actor, writing, “Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman’s family. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace.”

His Marvel co-stars also shared tributes Friday, including Mark Ruffalo, Don Cheadle, Brie Larson, Clark Gregg, Chris Pratt and Simu Liu.

Other Hollywood figures also reacted and shared tributes including Candyman director Nia DaCosta, Kerry Washington, Mark Hamill, Riverdale’s Lili Reinhart, Ryan Reynolds and Shameless star Cameron Monaghan.

https://twitter.com/NiaDaCosta/status/1299533282619555842

https://twitter.com/cameronmonaghan/status/1299535531173273600

Our thoughts are with Boseman’s family and friends at this time.