42, (aka FORTY-TWO), Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson, 2013. /©Warner Bros. Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection

Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman dead at 42

by Afia Ohemeng August 29, 2020, 6:52 am

Chadwick Boseman, star of “Black Panther,” is reported dead after a four year battle with colon cancer. He was 42.

A statement posted to his Twitter feed announced his passing.

https://twitter.com/chadwickboseman/status/1299530165463199747?s=19

CAREER BEFORE BLACK PANTHER

Before being cast as the T’Challa in Black Panther, Boseman’s first hit the silver screen in America with his portrayals of iconic Black American celebrities-Jackie Robinson and James Brown.

His death occurred on the day the MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson.

TRIBUTES TO CHADWICK

“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.” – Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios and chief creative officer of Marvel

“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 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.” – Walt Disney Co. chairman Bob Iger