Though we knew him from some of our most beloved films like Black Panther, 42, and Get On Up, among others, the late Chadwick Boseman was an intensely private person. When news of his death hit the media, some of his closest friends were shocked to learn that the actor had been battling colon cancer for years. 

Profoundly gifted and warm, Boseman gave his fans and his contemporaries so much of himself. However, there were aspects of his life that he kept close to his heart. Though we knew the Marshall actor was married to artist, Taylor Simone Ledward, not much is known about the couple’s love story. 

The first time Bosman and Ledward were seen together was in 2015 at the Los Angeles International Airport. Ledward had recently graduated with her Bachelor’s degree from the California State Polytechnic University. 

From they attended several red-carports and events together. Ledward’s grandmother commented on their loved story back in 2018. “They respect each other,” she told InTouch Weekly.” She’s very happy, and he is, too.”

For his part, Boseman publicly acknowledged his wife during his March 2019 acceptance speech at the NAACP Image Awards. He said, “Simone, you’re with me every day. I have to acknowledge you right now. I love you.” In the audience, Ledward blew him a kiss and said, “I love you” right back. 

In 2019, fans noticed Ledward wearing a stunning engagement ring when she and the Howard University alum attended a Lakers vs. Clippers game, but they never spoke about their engagement publicly. 

It is said that the pair officially wed in the months before Boseman’s Aug. 2020 death. 

 

Photo:  Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images