Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman has died aged 43 after a four-year fight with colon cancer.His T’Challa character was introduced to the Marvel movies in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, and his Wakanda Forever salute became famous after the release of Black Panther, two years ago.
Black Panther was the first major studio superhero movie featuring a predominantly African-American cast.
Boseman died at home in Los Angeles with his wife and family by his side, his publicist Nicki Fioravante said.
A message on his official Twitter account read: “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 four 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 honour of his career to bring King TChalla to life in Black Panther.”
Boseman was born in South Carolina and He went on to graduate from Howard University in Washington, DC, where he returned in 2018 to give the class graduation speech — which concluded with his iconic “Wakanda Forever” salute.
During his speech, the actor told the graduates he was fired from an unnamed production during his early acting days after he questioned what he felt was its stereotypical portrayal of Black characters.
“The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose,” he had said.
He always remained sceptical of Hollywood and the industry that made him famous, once saying: “You don’t have the same exact experience as a black actor as you do as a white actor. You don’t have the same opportunities. That’s evident and true.
“The best way to put it is: How often do you see a movie about a black hero who has a love story – with a black woman, or any woman for that matter … he has a spirituality. He has an intellect. It’s weird to say it, but it doesn’t happen that often.”
The actor starred in other films, including playing James Brown in “Get On Up” and Jackie Robinson in “42.” The Marvel Studios president had previously announced the second movie of the “Black Panther” saga would debut in theatres in May 2022.
“This is a crushing blow” actor and director Jordan Peele said on Twitter, while actor and writer Issa Rae said: “This broke me”
In a statement following Boseman’s death, Martin Luther King III said the actor “brought history to life” with his roles.
“As Black Panter, he was also a superhero to many,” he wrote on Twitter. “And despite his 4 year-long battle with cancer, he kept fighting and he kept inspiring. He will be missed.”
Others to praise Boseman’s career and mourn his death include Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden.
He twitted, “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.”
The announcement will come as a shock to many as Boseman never discussed his 2016 diagnosis publicly. However, fans started raising concerns over his health this year due to noticeable weight loss.
Black Panther was the first superhero film to get a nomination for best picture at the Oscars.
