Chadwick Boseman, 'Black Panther' star, has died at 43

Actor Chadwick Boseman has died following a four year battle with colon cancer, his representative confirmed on Friday, August 28. He was 43.With a career in film and television spanning two decades, Boseman brought strength and light to the screen in every role, portraying icons Jackie Robinson (in 2013’s 42) and James Brown (in 2014’s Get on Up) on the big screen before becoming a Marvel superhero as King T'Challa in 2018's Black Panther.In a statement posted to his Twitter account on Friday night, Boseman's family said, "It was the honour of his life to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”

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— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020

The actor died at his home, surrounded by family, after battling colon cancer since 2016. “A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” his family said in the statement. “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."[video_embed id='2025742']RELATED: The stars stop to honour Chadwick Boseman as a hero[/video_embed]As news broke on Friday evening of the beloved actor's passing, Boseman's co-stars, collaborators, and friends took to social media to pay tribute.

May you have a beautiful return, King. We will miss you so. pic.twitter.com/jdip3RHoXb

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 29, 2020

I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking.

Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King? pic.twitter.com/oBERXlw66Z— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) 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/DyibBLoBxz

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) August 29, 2020

Truly a gentleman superstar on screen and in life. Pure excellence and class and grace. https://t.co/yTCGrwZaJM

— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) August 29, 2020

Chadwick.....no words to express my devastation of losing you. Your talent, your spirit, your heart, your authenticity........It was an honor working beside you, getting to know you....Rest well prince...May flights of angels sing thee to thy heavenly rest. I love you! ??? pic.twitter.com/6abglPBOsh

— Viola Davis (@violadavis) August 29, 2020

 

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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.

A post shared by Brie (@brielarson) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:03pm PDT

It was the highest honor getting to work with you and getting to know you. What a generous and sincere human being. You believed in the sacred nature of the work and gave your all. Much love to your family. And much love from all of us left here.

— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 29, 2020

 

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“It was meant to be for Chadwick and me to be connected, for us to be family. But what many don’t know is our story began long before his historic turn as Black Panther. During the premiere party for Black Panther, Chadwick reminded me of something. He whispered that when I received my honorary degree from Howard University, his alma mater, he was the student assigned to escort me that day. And here we were, years later as friends and colleagues, enjoying the most glorious night ever! We’d spent weeks prepping, working, sitting next to each other every morning in makeup chairs, preparing for the day together as mother and son. I am honored that we enjoyed that full circle experience. This young man’s dedication was awe-inspiring, his smile contagious, his talent unreal. So I pay tribute to a beautiful spirit, a consummate artist, a soulful brother...”thou aren’t not dead but flown afar...”. All you possessed, Chadwick, you freely gave. Rest now, sweet prince.” #WakandaForever

A post shared by Angela Bassett (@im.angelabassett) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:43pm PDT

I don’t have words. Rest In Peace, Bruh. Thank you for all you did while you were here. Thank you for being a friend. You are loved. You will be missed. ???? https://t.co/8rK4dWmorq

— Sterling K Brown (@SterlingKBrown) August 29, 2020

 

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Gonna miss you mate. Absolutely heartbreaking. One of the kindest most genuine people I’ve met. Sending love and support to all the family xo RIP @chadwickboseman

A post shared by Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:40pm PDT

Our makeup artists are friends and he used to get on the phone and ask me to sing “You Mean The World To Me” because it was his favorite song of mine and now this song will be forever dedicated to him. Rest In Power King. https://t.co/SnSn1UdhUB

— Toni Braxton (@tonibraxton) August 29, 2020

1 of my all time favorite people on the planet Chadwick Boseman has passed away after a 4 years of fighting cancer. An wonderful actor & a truly nice man. R.IP. condolences to his family

— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) August 29, 2020

To a hero who transcends universes. Wakanda Forever. Rest in Power Chadwick. pic.twitter.com/F5YhIbK4wg

— DC (@DCComics) 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

Such a brutal loss. RIP, Chadwick.

— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) August 29, 2020

This is heartbreaking. Thank you for persevering through it all. You leave behind an incredible body of work and an inspiring legacy. Rest in power. Chadwick Forever. https://t.co/grXopcMLCq

— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) 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/GduiuaXufw

— Disney+ (@disneyplus) August 29, 2020

Tears overflowing. You will forever be mighty and beloved. Thank you for sharing yourself so powerfully, beautifully and generously in this lifetime. We were lucky to have so much of you. Praying and sending love and many blessings to your family. #LegendsNeverDie #WakandaForever

— Rosario Dawson (@rosariodawson) August 29, 2020

We are all heartbroken by the tragic loss of #chadwickboseman -- an extraordinary talent, and one of the most gentle and giving souls I have ever met. He brought enormous strength, dignity and depth to his groundbreaking role of Black Panther; shattering myths and stereotypes,

— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) August 29, 2020

For his friends and millions of fans, his absence from the screen is only eclipsed by his absence from our lives. All of us at Disney send our prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family.

— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) August 29, 2020

Thank you for lifting us. Rest in Power, King. pic.twitter.com/KjS32OKraB

— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) August 29, 2020

 

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At a total and absolute loss for words. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you. You paved the way for me and for all of us. Rest in Power, my King.

A post shared by Simu Liu (刘思慕) (@simuliu) on Aug 28, 2020 at 9:19pm PDT

Such a sad loss. Craziest thing when you figure you’ll see someone again, and then suddenly, you know you won’t. Every day alive merits gratitude. pic.twitter.com/PIObqJ6kUn

— Joseph Gordon-Levitt (@hitRECordJoe) August 29, 2020

I’m so shocked and heartbroken about Chadwick. He was such a bright light, such a gifted performer. He brought grace, elegance and power to everything he did. He always seemed to carry our ancestors with him. And now he joins them far too soon.

— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 29, 2020

What a gentle gifted SOUL. Showing us all that Greatness in between surgeries and chemo. The courage, the strength, the Power it takes to do that. This is what Dignity looks like. https://t.co/U3OOnJVS42

— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) August 29, 2020

 

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Rest in Power King T’Challa. My heart is so heavy right now. Your passing has hit me hard. I will tell my sons about you forever. You were one of the classiest men I have ever met in my life. It was an honor to have shared minutes with you on screen and to have crossed paths with you during press. Though our acquaintance was light you always left a lasting impression because of your energy, poise and gentle manner. May the Universe deliver you to your promise land brother. ~ Que en paz y en poder logres descansar finalmente. Con lo poco que estuviste aquí, dejaste un legado increíble!!!

A post shared by Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:02pm PDT

 

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Peace King... Thank you for your extraordinary work, your exemplary character and leadership. Love you Brother. ??

A post shared by Mahershala Ali (@mahershalaali) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:25pm PDT

[video_embed id='2025738']RELATED: Looking back on our favourite moments with Chadwick Boseman[/video_embed]