August 29, 2020
Hollywood is mourning the loss of 43-year-old Marvel "Black Panther" actor Chadwick Boseman, who died on Friday (Aug 28) after a four year battle with colon cancer. He was surrounded by family and his wife by his side, according to a statement posted on his Twitter account.
The late Chadwick Boseman was known as a hero, both on and off the screen. Boseman's first Marvel role was in 2016 as T'Challa/Black Panther in "Captain America: Civil War. Black Panther soon followed as its own stand-alone movie in 2018, which broke box office records and featured the first black superhero. Boseman was rumored to have been filming a second Marvel Studios "Black Panther" movie that would have released in 2022.
Celebrity tributes poured in from Marvel Studios, Chris Evans, Joe Biden, Michael B Jordan, Brie Larson, Robert Downey Jr., Bob Iger, Kevin Feige, and more.
'Captain Marvel' actress Brie Larson called Boseman "someone who radiated power and peace. Who stood for so much more than himself ... You will be missed and never forgotten."
In a statement Marvel Studios President and CEO, Kevin Feige said “Chadwick’s passing is absolutely devastating, He was our T’Challa, our Black Panther, and our dear friend. Each time he stepped on set, he radiated charisma and joy, and each time he appeared on screen, he created something truly indelible. He embodied a lot of amazing people in his work, and nobody was better at bringing great men to life. He was as smart and kind and powerful and strong as any person he portrayed. Now he takes his place alongside them as an icon for the ages. The Marvel Studios family deeply mourns his loss, and we are grieving tonight with his family.”
Disney CEO - Bob Iger, also released a statement on behalf of Disney: “We are all heartbroken by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman — an extraordinary talent, and one of the most gentle and giving souls I have ever met,” he wrote. “He brought enormous strength, dignity and depth to his groundbreaking role of Black Panther; shattering myths and stereotypes, becoming a long-awaited hero to millions around the world, and inspiring us all to dream bigger and demand more than the status quo. We mourn all that he was, as well as everything he was destined to become. 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.”
The Disney CEO has also teased the possibility of a #BlackPanther ride in development for Disney theme parks
Actor, Denzel Washington shared an Instagram post saying "Live like a Superhero die like a Legend. Rest In Power KING"
Robert Downey Jr. tweeted Mr. Boseman leveled the playing field while fighting for his life... That’s heroism. I’ll remember the good times, the laughter, and the way he changed the game... #chadwickforever @chadwickboseman
Following the news of Boseman's death, more than 4,000 fans signed an online petition calling on the Anderson Confederate Memorial in Anderson, South Carolina (where Boseman is from) to be replaced, according to CNN.
"The Confederate Monument belongs in a museum, but has no right to be displayed there," the petition reads. "I believe the community should come together to honor someone from Anderson, South Carolina that was able to change the movie industry. He opened many doors for many young black people with his leading roles in movies such as Black Panther or Marshall. It is only natural that his hometown honors what he did. There is no need for political controversy in this decision."