Chadwick Boseman Dies at 43
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Chadwick Boseman, 43, passed away after a four-year battle with colon cancer, a representative for the actor confirmed to Variety.
"It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman," a statement posted to his Twitter feed reads. “Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV [...] It was the honor of his life to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther."
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020
Variety notes that Boseman had never publicly spoken about the diagnosis. According to the statement, he continued to through his treatment, which included chemotherapy and surgeries. The news reveals that he had battled cancer for much of his career, dating back to his role as NAACP lawyer and future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, in 2017's Marshall before he starred in Marvel's Black Panther. Boseman recently appeared in Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods.
"This is a crushing blow," Jordan Peele said on Twitter. Issa Rae also commented, writing “This broke me."
This is a crushing blow.
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) August 29, 2020
This broke me.
— Issa Rae (@IssaRae) August 29, 2020
May you have a beautiful return, King. We will miss you so. pic.twitter.com/jdip3RHoXb
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 29, 2020
Here’s to an incredible man with immeasurable talent, who leaned into life regardless of his personal battles. You never truly know what the people around you might be going through - treat them with kindness and cherish every minute you have together. RIP #ChadwickBoseman pic.twitter.com/NaNC5GKuut
— Halle Berry (@halleberry) August 29, 2020
This one HURTS!! What a major loss. Rest in Power King! 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/Y0YVxGqjNA
— Lee Daniels (@leedanielsent) August 29, 2020
Several of his Marvel co-stars and colleagues also posted messages about his passing.
Wakanda Forever 💔
— Joe Russo (@Joeyrusso) August 29, 2020
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/YQMrEJy90x
— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) August 29, 2020
All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman. What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya. Rest in power, King.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 29, 2020
i will miss you, birthday brother. you were always light and love to me. my god ... ✌🏿♥️✊🏿 🙅🏿♂️ forever and ever ... https://t.co/9pORaKZuQN pic.twitter.com/awX3DiTVwn
— Don Cheadle (@DonCheadle) August 29, 2020
— Brie Larson (@brielarson) August 29, 2020
Kamala Harris, who featured in Boseman's last Instagram post, also posted a message.
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
The Associated Press reports that Boseman was born in South Carolina and graduated from Howard University. Before his role as T'Challa in Captain America: Civil War and Black Panther, he earned roles on television before what the outlet calls his "star turn" in 2013, playing Jackie Robinson opposite Harrison Ford in 42. Boseman is survived by his wife, Taylor Simone Ledward, and family.