Chadwick Boseman has tragically passed away.

The heartbreaking news of Chadwick Boseman's death was unveiled by his family as they posted on his many social media channels.

A statement was released confirming his passing.

The statement read:

It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman.

It also claimed he had cancer for four years.

Starting back in 2016 when Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer. The same cancer continuously got worse, before eventually claiming his life.

Boseman was an icon.

Both on screen and off screen, however as an actor his career was truly remarkable.

He starred in so many films and TV shows.

And in a serious variety of genres. From playing James Brown in the biopic Get On Up, to the ancient Egyptian deity Thoth in Gods of Egypt.

But his career was only just really taking off.

Most recently, Boseman starred in 21 Bridges (2019) alongside Sienna Miller and Spike Lee’s Netflix film, Da 5 Bloods (2020).

However his most famous role...

Is of course as the main role in Black Panther as T'Challa / Black Panther.

Boseman played Black Panther in four films.

He played it in Captain America: Civil War (2016), Black Panther (2018), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019) and was a huge inspiration and superhero for children and adults far and wide.

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.

This user followed up this tweet writing, "...He looks emaciated."

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:

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.

Chris Evans wrote on Twitter:

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. #wakandaforever

Brie Larson said that Boseman radiated power and peace.

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.

He wrote:

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.

Deadpool star, Ryan Reynolds wrote:

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.

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:

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

Internet celebrity, Jack Septic Eye, called him an incredible talented actor.

More specifically he wrote:

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...

Is his hashtag #WhenWeAllVote. It's evident that Chadwick had every intention to vote before he passed away.

Fans have also been watching an old interview of his.

And the interview is particularly moving as it's about two young fans of his who had terminal cancer. What wasn't known at the time was that Boseman was also battling the disease at the same time.

The kids were desperate to watch Black Panther.

In the interview Boseman says:

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.

Obama paid a beautiful tribute to Boseman claiming that he was blessed... More specifically Obama tweeted:

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:

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.

So sad.

It truly is a huge tragedy that this icon and idol for so many has passed away so soon.

Our thoughts go out to Boseman's family and friends at this hard time.

Rest in peace Chadwick.