Actor Chadwick Boseman has died. His family confirmed on his social media channels that he passed away after a four-year-long battle with colon cancer. He had not gone public with his diagnosis in those four years, continuing to film projects amid surgeries and chemotherapy.

The statement reads in part, “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 garnered mainstream attention when he portrayed iconic baseball player Jackie Robinson in 42. But the actor was perhaps best known for his role as T’Challa in Marvel’s blockbuster film, Black Panther. He first debuted in the role Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War. He also played several more historical figures other than Robinson, including James Brown in Get on Up and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall. 

Boseman’s presumed final film role will be Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, which will be released on Netflix this fall. Fellow members of Black Hollywood mourned Boseman shortly after his death was announced.

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“It was meant to be for Chadwick and me to be connected, for us to be family. But what many don’t know is our story began long before his historic turn as Black Panther. During the premiere party for Black Panther, Chadwick reminded me of something. He whispered that when I received my honorary degree from Howard University, his alma mater, he was the student assigned to escort me that day. And here we were, years later as friends and colleagues, enjoying the most glorious night ever! We’d spent weeks prepping, working, sitting next to each other every morning in makeup chairs, preparing for the day together as mother and son. I am honored that we enjoyed that full circle experience. This young man’s dedication was awe-inspiring, his smile contagious, his talent unreal. So I pay tribute to a beautiful spirit, a consummate artist, a soulful brother…”thou aren’t not dead but flown afar…”. All you possessed, Chadwick, you freely gave. Rest now, sweet prince.” #WakandaForever

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JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I…….SO MUCH‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ ????????????????????????

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More to come. 

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