"A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all."
"Black Panther" star Chadwick Boseman is dead after a four-year battle with colon cancer. He was 43.
The news was confirmed via a statement on the actor's social media pages. The actor, who played Jackie Robinson in the movie "42," passed away on Jackie Robinson Day.
"It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman." it began. "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," the statement continued. "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."
In closing, it added, "The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time."
In his last social media post, Boseman celebrated Kamala Harris' Vice Presidential bid, urging his followers to vote.
Harris reacted on Friday evening, tweeting, "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."
Added Joe Biden, "The true power of @ChadwickBoseman was bigger than anything we saw on screen. From the Black Panther to Jackie Robinson, he inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even super heroes. Jill and I are praying for his loved ones at this difficult time."
As soon as the heartbreaking news broke, more of the actor's costars, friends and celebrity fans all took to social media to share their tributes to the late star.
In the Marvel family, Don Cheadle, "Guardians of the Galaxy" stars Chris Pratt and Dave Bautista, "Black Panther" costar Sterling K. Brown, Mark Ruffalo and Brie Larson were among the first to react.
"I don’t have words. Rest In Peace, Bruh," wrote Brown. "Thank you for all you did while you were here. Thank you for being a friend. You are loved. You will be missed."
"This is such devastating news. We're praying for his family," wrote Pratt. "The world has lost an immeasurable talent and a great person."
"All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman," wrote Ruffalo. "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."
"i will miss you, birthday brother. you were always light and love to me," wrote Cheadle.
Added Larson, "Chadwick was someone who radiated power and peace. Who stood for so much more than himself. Who took the time to really see how you were doing and gave words of encouragement when you felt unsure. I'm honored to have the memories I have. The conversations, the laughter. My heart is with you and your family. You will be missed and never forgotten. Rest in power and peace my friend."
Walt Disney Studios, Marvel and the Black Panther account all shared the same message, writing: "Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman’s family. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace."
"In power," tweeted director Barry Jenkins, "Eternally in power" -- while Jordan Peele said Boseman's death was "a crushing blow."
"So completely devastating hearing about the death of @chadwickboseman at 43 due to colon cancer," wrote Al Roker. "His performances were empowering and honest. From Jackie Robinson to Thurgood Marshall to Black Panther, he inspired so many. #restinpeace #restinpower"
"Such a brutal loss," wrote Ryan Reynolds. "RIP, Chadwick."
"I am heartbroken. Truly heartbroken. This makes no sense.None of this makes sense," tweeted Yvette Nicole Brown. "NOTHING THIS YEAR MAKES ANY SENSE!!!!!!!!!! DAMMIT!"
She added, "To hear that @chadwickboseman valiantly fought cancer for four years, FOUGHT to live to see another day and some selfish people in this nation won't even #WearAMask to possibly save another or themselves?!"
"F*ck this yr," write Jurnee Smollett. "He was battling stage 4 cancer while being our superhero. & to think people made fun of him for the weight loss. The tongue is a powerful weapon. Be wise in how you use it. Hoping he never doubted his royalty. Praying for his family Long live the king #ripchadwick"
"Heartbreaking," tweeted Gabourey Sidibe. "The loss of Chadwick Boseman life and light. The 4 year battle in secret. It’s all heartbreaking. Just heartbreaking."
"Insecure" star Issa Rae posted, "What the fuck is happening? My God," following it up with another post reading, "This broke me."
"This brother right here. Wow. No words. This life," tweeted "Westworld" star Jeffrey Wright. Added Jake Tapper, "I just heard that Chadwick Boseman died of colon cancer. Such horrible news. He was such an incredibly talented actor and lovely person. He played Jackie Robinson in '42' and we hear this horrible news on Jackie Robinson day. So awful. Life is short. Be kind."
"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," wrote Jemele Hill. "Lord only knows what he was going through on a daily basis."
"man. speechless," tweeted Mike Colter. "You were a king on and off screen. it doesn't seem real. you were like a comet that flew by so fast. you will be missed brother. rest easy"
Zachary Levi shared his tribute on Instagram, writing, "I didn’t know him as well as I wish I could have, but every interaction we shared was full of kindness, depth, and warmth. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as they navigate this new and uncharted road ahead. Rest in power #chadwickboseman. Thank you for the light you shared and shined. #wakandaforever"
Kendrick Sampson also posted on Instagram. "You've gotta be f--king kidding me. F--k this f--ked up ass year. Praying for all of your loved ones. Praying for us. Black people - feel what you feel, take care of each other. Hold space for self. For love. For grief," he wrote. "I know - we already were in grieving, this whole f--king year."
"this is too heartbreaking. gone way too soon," wrote The Weeknd. On his page, Jason Momoa posted, "all my aloha and condolences to his ohana. i’m truly gutted. what a wonderful spirit. i’m so sorry RIP."
"We've lost a great one. My heart is truly broken. #ChadwickBoseman," wrote Octavia Spencer, while Gabrielle Union said he was "Truly a gentleman superstar on screen and in life. Pure excellence and class and grace."
Boseman's interest in the field of entertainment began with directing. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing from Howard University in 2000, where one of his teachers was Phylicia Rashad.
He only began studying acting in an effort to better relate to them as a film writer and director. His first foray into that field came in 2003, when he scored a role on the NBC procedural "Third Watch." He got his big break on the big screen portraying Jackie Robinson in the baseball film "42."
At the time, he was directing off-Broadway plays and considering abandoning acting altogether. Instead, he would only find greater and greater success, culminating perhaps with his lead role in Marvel's "Black Panther." The first MCU film with a Black lead, Boseman was an inspiration to fans around the globe, as the film quickly earned $1 billion at the box office and still stands as one of Marvel’s most critically-acclaimed films.
A sequel was greenlit and in development, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, production was delayed. Boseman's most recent film, "Da 5 Bloods," was directed by Spike Lee and released to Netflix on June 12, 2020.
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