Chadwick Boseman, the iconic actor and star of the film Black Panther has tragically passed away following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Following the heartbreaking news of his death, thousands of celebrities and fans of Boseman's have come forward to pay their respects.
Now, none other than Barack Obama has spoken out - saying that Boseman was 'blessed'.
Keep scrolling to see what he had to say.
Rest in peace.
Chadwick Boseman has tragically passed away.
A statement was released confirming his passing.
It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman.
It also claimed he had cancer for four years.
Boseman was an icon.
He starred in so many films and TV shows.
But his career was only just really taking off.
https://t.co/aZ2JzDf5ai— Chadwick Boseman (@Chadwick Boseman)1598667110.0
However his most famous role...
Boseman played Black Panther in four films.
Black Pather completely revolutionized the film industry.
Back in 2018, Black Panther became the talk of the town as it hit all major big-screens.We'd never seen anything like this before.
Marvel's superhero movie brought cultural importance to the forefront of a storyline while still maintaining the classic "hero vs villain" trope.And even outside of the storyline, this movie broke barriers.
With black talent spread across the entire cast and production, Black Panther became more than just a social talking point. It became an artistic celebration of black culture.In the past, we struggled to see such overwhelming representation.
The genre typically upholds traditional superhero visuals, as seen with Superman, Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, and Batman, just to name a select few...But Black Panther saw a whole new story brought to life.
A culture that was once seen as other, brought about celebration in a way that actually brought audiences together to share their love for the genre.And one of the main reasons for this was the cast members...
In such a strong line-up of actors and actresses, we saw the fusion of old and new black actors including Michael B Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o and Letitia Wright.But the star of the show was none other than Chadwick Boseman.
And The Guardian described him as a man who helped to "[open] up people's minds."Boseman added so much to the film.
Even though Boseman made an appearance in Captain America: Civil War prior to this blockbuster, no one really acknowledged the talent and drive behind his character.He even opened up about the pressure that came about with such a big role.
He explained how most of it was "brought on himself." "It’s not like it’s actually coming from outside. I think we all placed that pressure on ourselves with this cos we knew what the opportunity was. Everyone knew this was something that had not been done before.""So you have to get it right."
But it was more than just mental pressure as Boseman had to get in serious shape for the role too.Boseman had to bulk up before filming the movie.
As with any other superhero piece, Black Panther's characters were very toned and fit.Boseman was no different.
However a few months ago, fans grew concerned over Boseman’s emaciated appearance, but he didn’t offer any insight, causing many to jump to the conclusion that it was for his upcoming role in The Black Child, a new movie.Fans began talking about how Boseman looked unwell.
As the star was celebrating Major League Baseball's "Jackie Robinson Day" with his fans, people flocked to social media platforms to express their concerns.Thousands were worried for Boseman, but few knew the reality.
i really hope chadwick boseman is ok, i saw he looked really thin during all star weekend. very wonderful thing he… https://t.co/sDecT8egiQ— nigpolyta (@nigpolyta)1587065408.0
Fans thought the weightloss was just a movie.
With many pointing that although Boseman wasnset to star in the upcoming Black Panther movie in 2022, he was also preparing for other roles in between.However unfortunately, that wasn’t the case and the reality was much grimmer.
Confirming his passing, a statement written by his family read:A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much.
They continued:
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.
The statement concluded:
He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side. The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.
Countless fans and celebrities have been paying tribute to the great man.
Fellow Black Panther star Angela Bassett spoke of how inspiring Boseman was.She wrote:
Angela Bassett’s touching message about Chadwick💔 https://t.co/3xswOcnntE— Makho Ndlovu (@Makho Ndlovu)1598673013.0
This young man's dedication was awe-inspiring, his smile contagious, his talent unreal... All you possessed, Chadwick, you freely gave. Rest now, sweet prince.
The Avengers cast also paid a huge tribute to Boseman.
I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking. Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply c… https://t.co/4dCDZwZprh— Chris Evans (@Chris Evans)1598671863.0
I’m absolutely devastated. 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
Chris Pratt wrote:
My prayers go out to Chadwick’s family and loved ones. The world will miss his tremendous talent. God rest his soul… https://t.co/Leqp0cKzzg— chris pratt (@chris pratt)1598671534.0
My prayers go out to Chadwick’s family and loved ones. The world will miss his tremendous talent. God rest his soul. #wakandaforever
Brie Larson said that Boseman radiated power and peace.
💔 https://t.co/Y8ZbFdpHCe— Brie Larson (@Brie Larson)1598670175.0
Who stood for so much more than himself. Rest in peace and power my friend.
Mark Ruffalo, who played Hulk in the Avengers series, paid a long tribute to Boseman.
@chadwickboseman It was the highest honor getting to work with you and getting to know you. What a generous and sin… https://t.co/4zgoaVllMK— Mark Ruffalo (@Mark Ruffalo)1598670616.0
All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman. What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya. Rest in power, King.
All of Hollywood is devastated.
Such a brutal loss. RIP, Chadwick.— Ryan Reynolds (@Ryan Reynolds)1598670038.0
Such a brutal loss. RIP, Chadwick.Whereas singer, Rita Ora, wrote:
A superhero on and off screen. Sending my love to the family and friends of Chadwick Boseman. Rest in peace.
Marvel Studios president and CCO Kevin Feige called Boseman's death "absolutely devastating".
Each time he stepped on set, he radiated charisma and joy, and each time he appeared on screen, he created something truly indelible...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.
Thousands of fans also paid tribute to the late star.
"Jill and I are praying for his loved ones at this difficult time." Joe Biden releases a statement following the d… https://t.co/pHzflnosQb— ABC News (@ABC News)1598704491.0
This slaps harder now that we know he was suffering from cancer himself all along. While he fight for himself, he helped others fight through theirs. A true king! Rest In Peace Chadwick Boseman
Another said:
He never hinted at his own suffering, at least not publicly; just spoke to the pain and needs of others. To think o… https://t.co/gV8NxAxltA— Joy WE VOTED!! WEAR A MASK!! Reid 😷) (@Joy WE VOTED!! WEAR A MASK!! Reid 😷))1598703940.0
What an amazing man Chadwick Boseman was. He knew the exact words to say on stage, interviews. Always had a smile & the ability to make others smile to. This year has been so depressing for all of us, but this news of Chadwick death is my low point.
Timothee Chalamet wrote:
REST IN POWER CHADWICK BOSEMAN— Timothée Chalamet (@Timothée Chalamet)1598697734.0
REST IN POWER CHADWICK BOSEMAN
Internet celebrity, Jack Septic Eye, called him an incredible talented actor.
RIP Chadwick Boseman. An incredibly talented actor who was doing so much amazing work on and off screen. A really i… https://t.co/6cr7LbNMBX— Jacksepticeye (@Jacksepticeye)1598697470.0
RIP Chadwick Boseman. An incredibly talented actor who was doing so much amazing work on and off screen. A really inspiring person. This one hurts man, fuck cancer.
People also began looking back through Boseman's Instagram.
And some of his final posts are truly heartbreaking.Just last month he was playing pranks.
One video posted to his Instagram in July shows Chadwick and others spraying Spike Lee with water pistols on the set of Da 5 Bloods. For a man who knew he didn't have long left, this just shows how strong he was.He also shared a Black Lives Matter post.
Which again proves how dedicated Boseman was to justice and equality for all.His final post is particularly upsetting.
Just two weeks ago, Chadwick shared a photo of himself with Kamala Harris, which received over a million likes.But the upsetting thing...
Fans have also been watching an old interview of his.
The kids were desperate to watch Black Panther.
Their parents said, 'They're trying to hold on till this movie comes'.
He continued:
To a certain degree, you hear them say that and you're like, 'Wow. I gotta get up and go to the gym. I gotta get up and go to work. I gotta learn these lines. I gotta work on this accent'.
"To a certain degree, it's a humbling experience."
Because you're like, 'This can't mean that much to them.' You know? But seeing how the world has taken this on; seeing how the movement and how it's taken on a life of its own, I realize that they anticipated something great.
He added:
I think back now to a kid, and just you know, waiting for Christmas to come, waiting for my birthday to come, waiting for a toy that I was going to get a chance to experience, or a video game. I did live life waiting for those moments. And so, it put me back in the mind of being a kid just to experience those two little boys anticipation of this movie. And when I found out that they... Boseman then broke down in tears, recalling the boys' deaths.Now, former President of the United States, Barack Obama, has came forward to pay tribute.
Incredible words from an inspiration to so many. RIP #ChadwickBoseman 🙏🏾 https://t.co/E7KHivruFE— Daymond John (@Daymond John)1598715303.0
Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson. You could tell right away that he was blessed.
Obama concluded:
Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson. You could tell right away t… https://t.co/YZdYRPS3Kj— Barack Obama (@Barack Obama)1598711983.0
To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years.It's seems like the world truly did lose an angel today.