Chadwick Boseman died earlier today after a four-year battle with colon cancer. The actor’s family and representatives released a statement on Twitter explaining what happened and thanking fans for their love and support during his career. Boseman’s diagnoses was not publicly known until now.
“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 read. “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.”
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020
Boseman first rose to prominence with the Jackie Robinson biopic 42 in 2013, although it was his role as King T’Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Captain America: Civil War and Black Panther that brought him to the world’s attention. As his family mentioned in the announcement, his final project will be in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, a Netflix film directed by George C. Wolfe and also starring Viola Davis. There’s been an immediate outpouring of support on social media.
I don’t have words. Rest In Peace, Bruh. Thank you for all you did while you were here. Thank you for being a friend. You are loved. You will be missed. 🤜🏿🤛🏿 https://t.co/8rK4dWmorq
— Sterling K Brown (@SterlingKBrown) August 29, 2020
Rest in Power, my king.
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) August 29, 2020
“Purpose is the essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history. Your very existence is wrapped up in the things you are here to fulfill." –Chadwick Boseman ❤️
— TINASHE (@Tinashe) August 29, 2020
An immeasurable loss. From "Black Panther" to "Da 5 Bloods," Chadwick Boseman brought strength and light to the screen, every time. pic.twitter.com/vRXxYU8Tbr
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 29, 2020