Chadwick Boseman: Black Panther star dies
of cancer aged 43
US actor Chadwick Boseman, best known for
playing Black Panther in the hit Marvel superhero
franchise, has died of cancer aged 43.
He died at home in Los Angeles with his wife and
family by his side, a statement posted on social
media said.
Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer four
years ago but had not made the information public.
The news has left fans and the film world stunned.
Get Out director Jordan Peele said it was "a
crushing blow".
"A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all,
and brought you many of the films you have come
to love so much," his family said in the statement.
"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."
Boseman came to prominence playing real-life
figures - baseball great Jackie Robinson in 2013's
42, and soul singer James Brown in 2014's Get on
Up.
However, it will be as the titular Black Panther in
the blockbuster 2018 film he will be best
remembered.
Boseman stars as the ruler of Wakanda, a fictional
African nation with the most advanced technology
on earth.
'Wakanda forever': Tributes pour in
'What Black Panther means to black people
like me'
Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman on
being 'young, gifted and black'
As well as winning critical praise and taking more
than $1.3 billion US dollars (£973m) at cinemas
worldwide, the film was widely seen as a cultural
milestone for having a largely black cast and a
black director, Ryan Coogler.
Boseman said last year that the film had changed
what it means to be "young, gifted and black".
Black Panther was the first superhero film to get a
nomination for best picture at the Oscars.
He also played the same role in other Marvel films
Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War
and Avengers: Endgame.
A sequel was in the works and due to come out in
2022, with Boseman set to return.
How Black Panther inspired children - and
adults
The news of his death came as a shock to many as
Boseman never discussed his diagnosis publicly.
However, fans started raising concerns over his
health this year due to noticeable weight loss.
Tributes have already begun pouring in for the star,
including from actor and fellow Marvel star Mark
Ruffalo.
Actor Dwayne Johnson tweeted: "Thank you for
shining your light and sharing your talent with the
world. My love and strength to your family."
Political figures have also started paying their
respects, including Democratic vice presidential
nominee Kamala Harris.
Former President Barack Obama added his voice to
the tributes, describing Boseman as "blessed" and
praising his contribution.
The hashtag #WakandaForever has also been
trending.
Born in South Carolina as the son of a nurse and an
upholstery entrepreneur, Boseman graduated from
Howard University in Washington DC.
Despite playing roles on television, it wasn't until
2013 that he hit the big time in 42.
In 2018, Boseman returned to his university to
speak at its graduation ceremony.
"Some of you here struggled against the university
itself," he said to the mostly minority ethnic
audience.
"Many of you will leave Howard and enter systems
and institutions that have a history of discrimination
and marginalisation.
"The fact that you have struggled with this university
which you love is a sign that you can use your
education to improve the world that you are
entering."
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