Best known for the playing the lead phenomenon in the groundbreaking superhero movie Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman died of cancer at 43-years of age.
In Memory of Chadwick Boseman, Gone Too Soon
We begin by expressing our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Chadwick Aaron Boseman, the "Black Panther" actor who tragically lost his fight against cancer, at the age of 43. The news of his death has been considered "shocking" and "unexpected," in light of his colon cancer diagnosis, that wasn't disclosed to the public.
The actor, who was also known for portraying real-life historical figures including, Jackie Robinson in "42" and James Brown in "Get on Up," took his final breathes at home in Los Angeles surrounded by his wife, Taylor Simone Ledward, and family - #ChadwickForever.
In a crushing blow to the entertainment world and the many fans he inspired, the news of Boseman's death stunned masses. In a statement posted to Twitter, a family spokesperson said, "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 4 years as it progressed to stage IV."
The statement continued: "A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. 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 honor of his career to bring King T'Challa to life in Black Panther," they added. The statement concluded with the family appreciating the love and well wishes they received from supporters. The family asked for the continued respect of "their privacy during this difficult time."
Chadwick Boseman's Poor Health
Earlier this year, concerns over Boseman's health became an issue after images emerged online showing the "Marshall" star extremely thin. Amid the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, in April, Boseman shared a four minute Instagram video in which he appeared worryingly different.
The video, for which was shared to spread awareness of "Operation 42", the initiative that helps hospitals that serve African-American communities, showed Boseman noticeably emaciated. Some fans speculated that he was preparing for an upcoming film role, whilst others wondered whether he was sick. Alternative reports suggested that Boseman was vegan to explain his slenderised stature.
Young, gifted and black
Boseman, who was Christian, once prayed to play the Black Panther before he was cast for the avant-garde, King of Wakanda, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). His prayers were later answered as he landed the role of the ruler of Wakanda, in the 2018 blockbuster that grossed more than £973m ($1.3 billion USD) at cinemas worldwide.
The film, which reached a cultural milestone with it's predominantly black cast and director, Ryan Coogler, was the first superhero film to get a nomination for best picture at the Oscars. Black Panther also became the first superhero film to win the best ensemble prize at the 25th Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAGs). During his speech at the SAGs, the T'Challa actor said: "All of us up here know what it's like to be told there is not a place for you to be featured, yet you are young, gifted and black."
He added: "We know what it's like to be told there's not a screen for you to be featured on, a stage for you to be featured on. We know what it's like to be the tail and not the head, to be beneath and not above and that is what we went to work with every day."
Truly showing the true colours of his heart, compassion, and authenticity, Boseman chose to help others vulnerable to COVID-19 with Operation 42, all the while battling cancer. Include the movies he participated in and Boseman becomes more remarkable. Rest in peace Chadwick Aaron Boseman, the inspirational being who continued to pursue his dreams even when enduring an "irreversible circumstance".
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