Actor Chadwick Boseman, famous for his role of Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe, died of colon cancer at the age of 43. His publicist Nicki Fioravante told The Associated Press that the actor died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side.
Chadwick’s family released a statement early morning today- “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.”
Boseman had not spoken publicly about his battle with cancer. Born in South Carolina, Chadwick Boseman, an African American, graduated from Howard University. He initially did small roles in television, while his first film ’42’ was released in 2013 where he played the role of the baseball star Robinson opposite Harrison Ford. Coincidentally, the actor passed away on the day when Major League Baseball was celebrating Jackie Robinson day.
He first played the T’Challa character in MCU’s Captain America: Civil War. The “Wakanda Forever” salute became famous after Black Panther released in 2018. His character was last seen paying his respect at Tony Stark’s funeral in Avengers: Endgame. A Black Panther sequel had also been announced, and Marvel fans were looking forward to it. Another character portrayed by Boseman is that of US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in 2017′s Marshall. His first production was the action thriller 21 Bridges, in which he also starred. The actor was last seen on-screen in Spike Lee’s film Da 5 Bloods as the leader of a troop of Black soldiers in the Vietnam War.
