e were hit with some pretty devastating news last week. Chadwick Boseman, the talented actor who brought Black Panther to life, has passed after four years fighting colon cancer at the young age of 43. According to a statement posted on Boseman’s Twitter account, he peacefully passed in the comfort of his home, with his wife and family by his side.
Chadwick Boseman was a True Fighter
Boseman’s death may come as a surprise to many because he rarely spoke publicly about his cancer diagnosis. As he continued on with his career since being diagnosed in 2016, he also worked through his cancer treatment. His work post-diagnosis included when he played another Black American icon, NAACP lawyer and future Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall, in 2017’s “Marshall”.
His recent role as King T’Challa truly made him a global icon, and not to mention, an extremely inspiring symbol of Black power. It was the first-ever Marvel Studios movie headlined by a Black actor. A recent statement said that Boseman considered his role as T’Challa a true honor of his entire career. His role as King T’Challa portrayed a powerful Black mad, leading a thriving African nation, willing to battle basically anything, no matter the odds - a true reflection of Boseman’s real-life character.
His Early Days
Boseman’s big career “break” was his casting in 42 as Jackie Robinson, the first Black man to play in Major League Baseball. His passing was also announced the day Major League Baseball honored Jackie Robinson Day, an annual commemoration delayed by several months due to the pandemic.
Prior to his big career break, Boseman took part in local theatre acts in New York and also appeared in several guest roles on shows like Law & Order and CSI.
A True Superhero
A statement from Boseman:
“The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose."
It’s been extremely devastating to see Boseman go, and though he will be dearly missed, it’s important to note he was a true real-life superhero.
Boseman "brought history to life" with his roles, Martin Luther King III said.
"As Black Panther, he was also a superhero to many, and despite his 4 year long battle with cancer, he kept fighting and he kept inspiring. He will be missed."
Rest in power, king.
