Leading Hollywood stars such including Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Chris Hemsworth and many more are paying tribute to Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman.
The 43-year-old died after a four-year private battle with colon cancer, he passed away at home in Los Angeles with his wife and family by his side, his publicist said.
Boseman played black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel universe. His role as T’Challa in Black Panther with the famous ‘Wakanda Forever’ introduced him to a wider audience following the soar away success of the movie.
A message on Boseman’s 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.” It said many of his recent roles had been filmed “during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy”.
Hollywood A-listers joined musicians and politicians in paying tribute to the actor, calling him “incredible”, “sincere” and “genuine” while sharing pictures of them with Boseman.
Oscar winner Denzel Washington wrote: “He was a gentle soul and a brilliant artist, who will stay with us for eternity through his iconic performances over his short yet illustrious career.”
Chris Hemsworth, who plays Thor in the Marvel films, posted on Instagram: “Gonna miss you mate. Absolutely heart-breaking. “One of the kindest most genuine people I’ve met. Sending love and support to all the family xo RIP.”
Actress Halle Berry wrote: “Here’s to an incredible man with immeasurable talent, who leaned into life regardless of his personal battles. “You never truly know what the people around you might be going through – treat them with kindness and cherish every minute you have together. RIP #ChadwickBoseman.”
Joe Biden’s tribute tweet read: Boseman “inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want – even super heroes”.
Boseman’s final tweet on 12 August was an image of himself and Kamala Harris, celebrating her selection as Mr Biden’s running mate.
Captain America star Chris Evans said he was “absolutely devastated” at his friend’s death. “He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King.”
Bernice King, daughter of civil rights activist Dr Martin Luther King, wrote: “We never know what people are enduring. Humans…we are wonders. “Thank you, Chadwick, for gifting us with your greatness in the midst of a painful struggle.”
Marvel Entertainment posted a picture of Boseman in Black Panther and said his “legacy will live on forever”.
Singer John Legend said Boseman “brought grace, elegance and power to everything he did”.
Don Cheadle, who also starred in the Marvel films, said: “I will miss you, birthday brother. you were always light and love to me. my god … forever and ever …”
Actress Reese Witherspoon tweeted: “May god bless you and carry you home, Chadwick Boseman.
“We lost one of the greats today. His legacy will live on forever in his beloved films and in the heart of everyone who loved him.”
Born in South Carolina, Boseman graduated from Howard University in 2000, his breakthrough role wasn’t T’Challa in Black Panther but as baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson in the 2013 film ‘42’. He followed that with another iconic black figure, when he played soul legend James Brown in ‘Get On Up’ and in 2017, he took on the role of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the US Supreme Court.
Undoubtedly, it was his role in Black Panther – the ninth highest grossing film of all time – that propelled him into the consciousness of film fans across the world.
His character’s famous salute inspired many to feel an added sense of pride in their African heritage.
Boseman remained sceptical of 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.