Chadwick Boseman, Black Panther star in the Marvel cinematic universe, died of cancer on Friday, said his representative. He was 43.
Boseman died at his home in Los Angeles with his wife, Taylor Simone Ledward, and family by his side. He was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago, his family revealed in a statement. He had never spoken publicly about his diagnosis.
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” said his family, adding, “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.”
Born in South Carolina, Boseman graduated from Howard University and had small roles in television before his first star turn in 2013. His portrayal of the stoic baseball star Robinson opposite Harrison Ford in 2013′s “42” drew attention to him.
His T’Challa character was first introduced in the 2016 Marvel movie “Captain America: Civil War,” and his “Wakanda Forever” salute reverberated around the world after the release of “Black Panther” two years ago. The movie earned an astounding $1.34 billion globally.
Boseman’s Panther became an icon for children of colour, coming at a time when representation was only just beginning to become a priority in Hollywood.
“You don’t have the same exact experience as a Black actor as you do as a white actor. You don’t have the same opportunities. That’s evident and true,” he had said promoting his movie ‘42’.
“The best way to put it is: How often do you see a movie about a black hero who has a love story — with a black woman, or any woman for that matter … he has a spirituality. He has an intellect. It’s weird to say it, but it doesn’t happen that often.”
