— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020
Chadwick Boseman, the actor who gave life to Wakanda’s King T’Challa or the iconic Black Panther of Marvel, lost his fight with colon cancer which he had fought for years.
The news of the 43-year-old actor’s passing was confirmed in a statement posted on his official Twitter account on Saturday (Manila time), August 29, saying that Boseman “died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.”
It was in 2016 when Boseman was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer, which then progressed to stage four. Boseman chose to keep his diagnosis under wraps, while gifting viewers with quality projects.
“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,” the statement read.
“It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther,” it added.
Stunned by this news, Boseman’s fans across the globe and friends in the entertainment industry, including the stars who play other Marvel’s beloved superheroes, took to social media to pay tribute to the actor.
“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,” Mark Ruffalo, who plays the role of Bruce Banner or Hulk, tweeted.
Chris Evans, also known as Captain America, described Boseman was “special,” “true original,” and a deeply committed and constantly curious artist.”
“He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship,” he continued.
For her part, Brie Larson, known for her role as Captain Marvel, remembered the actor as someone “who radiated power and peace,” “who stood for so much more than himself,” and “who took the time to really see how you were doing and gave words of encouragement when you felt unsure.”
Tom Holland, who plays the character of Spider-Man, meanwhile wrote on Instagram, “Chadwick, you were even more of a hero off-screen than on. A role model not only to me on set, but to millions of others around the world,” along with a photo of Boseman visiting a little girl in a hospital.
Thor, or Chris Hemsworth in real life, also posted on Instagram a photo of him and Boseman, who he said was “one of the most genuine people” he has met.
Marvel also issued a statement, stressing that Boseman’s legacy “will live on forever.”