Desperately sad news.
Actor Chadwick Boseman, the star of Black Panther, has died at age 43 after a four-year battle with colon cancer, his family said in a statement.
The actor, who found global fame for his role in Black Panther, but also portrayed pioneering Black figures such as Jackie Robinson, James Brown and Thurgood Marshall, passed away on Friday.
He died at his home in Los Angeles with his wife and family by his side.
Boseman never discussed his illness publicly but continued his work despite undergoing surgeries and chemotherapy.
A statement from his family said Boseman was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 which had 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,” the statement said.
“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 T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”
Black Panther would become the first superhero film to get an Oscar nomination for best picture.
Tributes have flooded in for the star with Martin Luther King III, a human-rights activist and the eldest son of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., saying Boseman had “brought history to life on the silver screen”.
Chadwick Boseman brought history to life on the silver screen, from Jackie Robinson, James Brown and Thurgood Marshall.
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. pic.twitter.com/f0Tc8ByaXj
— Martin Luther King III (@OfficialMLK3) August 29, 2020
Director Jordan Peele called it a “crushing blow” while Boseman’s fellow Marvel star Chris Evans labelled him “special.”
“I’m absolutely devastated,” Evans wrote online.
“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.”
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