Some very sad news this morning, as it has been announced that actor Chadwick Boseman has passed away aged just 43 after a four-year battle with colon cancer.
“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” reads a statement on the actor’s official social media pages. “Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV. 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. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. 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.”
Beginning his career in television in the early 2000s, Boseman made his big screen debut in 2008’s The Express: The Ernie Davis Story before going on to star in the likes of 42, Draft Day, Get On Up and Gods of Egypt. In 2016, he took on the role of T’Challa, a.k.a. Black Panther, in Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War, reprising the role two years later for his own solo movie – a critical and commercial smash hit which also became the first superhero movie to be nominated for the Oscar for Best Picture. He returned as T’Challa in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, and was attached to reprise the role for Black Panther II, which had been scheduled for release in 2022.
Our condolences go out to Mr. Boseman’s friends and family at this tragic time.
