By Megan Riedlinger
7:00am PDT, Aug 31, 2020
On Aug. 28, 2020, Chadwick Boseman's rep broke the tragic news of his passing. The actor, who was just 43, died after a quiet four-year battle with colon cancer. His family put out the following statement: "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." Click through to see how Hollywood is reacting to the sad news, starting with the leader of the Avengers himself… "Mr. Boseman leveled the playing field while fighting for his life… That's heroism… I'll remember the good times, the laughter, and the way he changed the game… #chadwickforever" –Robert Downey Jr.
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"How do you honor a king? Reeling from the loss of my colleague, my friend, my brother. Struggling for words. Nothing feels adequate. I always marveled at how special Chadwick was. Such a pure hearted, profoundly generous, regal, fun guy. My entire job as Okoye was to respect and protect a king. Honor his leadership. Chadwick made that job profoundly easy. He was the epitome of kindness, elegance, diligence and grace. On many an occasion I would think how thankful I was that he was the leading man I was working closely with. A true class act. And so perfectly equipped to take on the responsibility of leading the franchise that changed everything for Black representation. He made everyone feel loved, heard and seen. He played great, iconic roles because he possessed inside of himself that connection to greatness to be able to so richly bring them to life. He had a heroic spirit, and marched to the beat of his own drum; hence his excellence as an artist and the incredible courage and determination as he faced life's challenges; while still guiding us all. He was zen and sweet and funny (with the very best laugh), attentive, and truly, truly, good. I can't even wrap my mind around this loss. A loss resonating in my own heart as well as around the globe. The children he inspired, my heart aches for them, to lose their hero just as they finally found him. I am so thankful to have taken the Black Panther journey with him. To have known him, spent time in his light and leadership and to call him forever a friend. Lala Ngoxolo Kumkani." –Danai Gurira
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"He was a gentle soul and a brilliant artist who will stay with us for eternity through his iconic performances over his short yet illustrious career. God bless Chadwick Boseman." –Denzel Washington
"Black Panther" director Ryan Coogler released an emotional and lengthy statement in the wake of Chadwick Boseman's death. This is an excerpt, but you can read it in its entirety here: "Chad deeply valued his privacy, and I wasn't privy to the details of his illness. After his family released their statement, I realized that he was living with his illness the entire time I knew him. Because he was a caretaker, a leader, and a man of faith, dignity and pride, he shielded his collaborators from his suffering. He lived a beautiful life. And he made great art. Day after day, year after year. That was who he was. He was an epic firework display. I will tell stories about being there for some of the brilliant sparks till the end of my days. What an incredible mark he's left for us. I haven't grieved a loss this acute before. I spent the last year preparing, imagining and writing words for him to say [in the "Black Panther" sequel], that we weren't destined to see. It leaves me broken knowing that I won't be able to watch another close-up of him in the monitor again or walk up to him and ask for another take. It hurts more to know that we can't have another conversation, or facetime, or text message exchange. He would send vegetarian recipes and eating regimens for my family and me to follow during the pandemic. He would check in on me and my loved ones, even as he dealt with the scourge of cancer."
"What a gentle gifted SOUL. Showing us all that Greatness in between surgeries and chemo. The courage, the strength, the Power it takes to do that. This is what Dignity looks like." –Oprah Winfrey
As reported by People magazine, filmmaker Spike Lee — who directed Chadwick Boseman in 2019's "Da 5 Bloods" — spoke about the actor at an event on Aug. 29, saying he was "floored by the crushing news" of Chadwick's death. "We filmed 'Da 5 Bloods' in Thailand, and it was hot, jungles, mountains, and Chadwick was there with us all the way. I never, ever suspected that anything was wrong. No one knew he was going through treatment, chemotherapy," he said, adding that the actor was a "trooper" and someone who "never complained … He was there every single minute in the moment. And his performance is a testament to what he put into that role, and all his roles. We miss you, Chadwick, we're going to celebrate your life."
"I'm absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking. Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. Few performers have such power and versatility. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I'm endlessly grateful for our friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in power, King." –Chris Evans
"Chadwick was not only a deeply soulful and powerful actor, but he was such a kind, thoughtful, funny and gentle person. He brightened everyone's day every time he walked into our hair and makeup trailer or on set with his beautiful smile." –Scarlett Johansson
"Gonna miss you mate. Absolutely heartbreaking. One of the kindest most genuine people I've met. Sending love and support to all the family xo RIP @chadwickboseman" –Chris Hemsworth
"Chadwick, you were even more of a hero off screen than on. A role model not only to me on set, but to millions of others around the world. You brought joy and happiness to so many and I'm proud to have been able to call you a friend. RIP Chadwick" –Tom Holland
"Here's to an incredible man with immeasurable talent, who leaned into life despite his personal battle behind the scenes. May we take this as a reminder that you never truly know what the people around you might be going through – treat them with kindness, and cherish every minute you have together. RIP #ChadwickBoseman" —Halle Berry
"Please Jesus please… I know you know what's best… but at this moment our hearts are writhing with so much pain… so to lose this beautiful black king renders me weak…please watch over his family and loved ones…. @chadwickboseman you have touched the lives of all of us… u will forever be remembered in the highest regard… REST IN POWER! our black king! Our black panther! 💔💔💔" –Jamie Foxx
"Rest in peace Brother Chadwick. I'm saddened by this loss. Chadwick was a very thoughtful, hardworking man. Prideful and strong. He will be missed by the filmmaking community and fans of his solid work. My thoughts reach out to his family right now." –Idris Elba
"I am devastated by the news of Chadwick's passing. He was one of the great actors and men. He radiated warmth and wisdom: talent and deep kindness." —Sienna Miller
"this hurts. really hurts" –Letitia Wright
"Chadwick was someone who radiated power and peace. Who stood for so much more than himself. Who took the time to really see how you were doing and gave words of encouragement when you felt unsure. I'm honored to have the memories I have. The conversations, the laughter. My heart is with you and your family. You will be missed and never forgotten. Rest in power and peace my friend." –Brie Larson
"Your light brightened our days. It will continue to brighten our hearts and minds. Let the heavens be blessed as you illuminate the sky. Sending my love and prayers to the family. May god continue to hold you in his everlasting embrace. RIP Chadwick" –Forest Whitaker
"I am absolutely floored. Such an amazing, beautiful person. 🖤 RIP Brother. @chadwickboseman" –Josh Brolin
"This man was diagnosed in 2016 and yet all of this powerful work!! I'm vibrating between immense joy for him and such sadness. But the sadness takes over. Condolences to his loved ones. He lives in the mythic. Incredible." –Jeffrey Wright
"It is inconceivable to think you are no longer with us Chad. This world needs you, now perhaps more than ever. Your quiet steel and raging fire beautifully tempered by the fact that you are an honorable, generous, humble human being. A natural leader who eloquently and passionately seeks and stands for truth, whose art and life will shine as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come. Peace and love to you, and to your family. #wakandaforever" –Andy Serkis
"Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson. You could tell right away that he was blessed. To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years." –former President Barack Obama
"I'll always remember watching Chadwick in 42. Barack and I were alone in the White House, on a weekend night with the girls away. I was so profoundly moved by the rawness and emotion in the barrier-breaking story. And not long after, when he came to meet with young people in the State Dining Room, I saw that Chadwick's brilliance on screen was matched by a warmth and sincerity in person. There's a reason he could play Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and King T'Challa with such captivating depth and honesty. He, too, knew what it meant to truly persevere. He, too, knew that real strength starts inside. And he, too, belongs right there with them as a hero—for Black kids and for all of our kids. There's no better gift with which to grace our world. ❤️" –former first lady Michelle Obama
"I want to dedicate this pole to Chadwick. What he accomplished and the legacy he left is so incredible to me. He's inspired a whole generation of young black men and women and provided them with a true superhero to look up to. Rest in power my friend. #WakandaForever #blackpanther." –Formula One world champion driver Lewis Hamilton
"Chadwick's passing is absolutely devastating. He was our T'Challa, our Black Panther, and our dear friend. Each time he stepped on set, he radiated charisma and joy, and each time he appeared on screen, he created something truly indelible. He embodied a lot of amazing people in his work, and nobody was better at bringing great men to life. He was as smart and kind and powerful and strong as any person he portrayed. Now he takes his place alongside them as an icon for the ages. The Marvel Studios family deeply mourns his loss, and we are grieving tonight with his family." –Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios and Marvel's chief creative officer
"Today is beyond devastating to comprehend. Just shock and pain…I was in awe of Chadwick, as an actor, in his commitment to the work and as a human. I looked up to him. The way he carried himself, how thoughtful and mindful he was, how generous…he elevated everyone around him. None of it makes sense to me. There was so much more coming from this man. It's such a loss. Such a shame." –Sebastian Stan
"'Press on with pride. Press on with purpose' – Chadwick Boseman This was hard to hear about. Hard to imagine the quiet pain and struggle you went thru all these years, yet still shined your powerful light and talents to inspire the world. Especially, our kids who finally saw themselves as a superhero — because of you. Rest in power, brother. My love and strength to your family. You will always press on with pride and purpose." —Dwayne Johnson
"Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family. … From his groundbreaking work in Black Panther to his portrayal of Thurgood Marshall, Chadwick Boseman helped paint a new picture of what's possible. Keeping his family, friends, and fans in my prayers during this difficult time." –Senator and Democratic nominee for vice president Kamala Harris
"The true power of @ChadwickBoseman was bigger than anything we saw on screen. From the Black Panther to Jackie Robinson, he inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even super heroes. Jill and I are praying for his loved ones at this difficult time." –former vice president and the Democratic nominee for president Joe Biden
"Chadwick was such an elegant man with great integrity and tremendous talent. He inspired an entire generation to stand up and be king. Honor him by emulating him-show kindness and love to others. Share your talents in ways that impact. Always strive to be a light in the darkness." –"Avengers" franchise directors Joe and Anthony Russo
"Rest in Power King T'Challa. My heart is so heavy right now. Your passing has hit me hard. I will tell my sons about you forever. You were one of the classiest men I have ever met in my life. It was an honor to have shared minutes with you on screen and to have crossed paths with you during press. Though our acquaintance was light you always left a lasting impression because of your energy, poise and gentle manner. May the Universe deliver you to your promise land brother. ~ Que en paz y en poder logres descansar finalmente. Con lo poco que estuviste aquí, dejaste un legado increíble!!!" –Zoe Saldana
"A warrior of light til the very end. A true king. I am without words. May he rise in power." —Kerry Washington
"I'm so shocked and heartbroken about Chadwick. He was such a bright light, such a gifted performer. He brought grace, elegance and power to everything he did. He always seemed to carry our ancestors with him. And now he joins them far too soon." –John Legend
"Chadwick…..no words to express my devastation of losing you. Your talent, your spirit, your heart, your authenticity……..It was an honor working beside you, getting to know you….Rest well prince…May flights of angels sing thee to thy heavenly rest. I love you!" –Viola Davis
"All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman. What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya. Rest in power, King." –Mark Ruffalo
"Chadwick Boseman extraordinary human being. My heart broke today." –Hayley Atwell
"all my aloha and condolences to his ohana. i'm truly gutted. what a wonderful spirit. i'm so sorry RIP" –Jason Momoa
"This is heartbreaking. Thank you for persevering through it all. You leave behind an incredible body of work and an inspiring legacy. Rest in power. Chadwick Forever" —Mariah Carey
"My gosh… The strength he had to keep going. Rest in power Chadwick. A huge loss to everyone who was touched by his greatness. Forever will he be immortalised in his brilliant works" –Henry Golding
"May god bless you and carry you home @chadwickboseman. We lost one of the greats today. His legacy will live on forever in his beloved films and in the heart of everyone who loved him." –Reese Witherspoon
"You told OUR stories. You reminded us that we are royal. Thank you for all you shared. A truly remarkable & kind person. You are walking with the ancestors now. Rest easy, rest in power & in peace, Chadwick. Sending so much love to his family & loved ones. #RepresentationMatters" –Tracee Ellis Ross
"We are all heartbroken by the tragic loss of #chadwickboseman — an extraordinary talent, and one of the most gentle and giving souls I have ever met. He brought enormous strength, dignity and depth to his groundbreaking role of Black Panther; shattering myths and stereotypes, becoming a long-awaited hero to millions around the world, and inspiring us all to dream bigger and demand more than the status quo. We mourn all that he was, as well as everything he was destined to become. For his friends and millions of fans, his absence from the screen is only eclipsed by his absence from our lives. All of us at Disney send our prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family." –Bob Iger, executive chairman of the Walt Disney Company
"This broke me." –Issa Rae
"1 of my all time favorite people on the planet Chadwick Boseman has passed away after a 4 years of fighting cancer. An wonderful actor & a truly nice man. R.IP. condolences to his family" –Whoopi Goldberg
"May you have a beautiful return, King. We will miss you so." Ava DuVernay
"Truly a gentleman superstar on screen and in life. Pure excellence and class and grace." –Gabrielle Union
"Devastating news. We lost a great one. Takoto mai rā e Āriki. #chadwickboseman" –Taika Waititi
"I just can't take anymore. Is there supposed to be a lesson in 2020? Because if so, fail me now. #chadwickboseman" –Shonda Rhimes
"Rest peacefully Chadwick Boseman." –Kim Kardashian West
"Devastating. I have no words, just love and tears at the moment. Sending all this love to his family and all the film families that had the pleasure to work along side this beautiful man. Rest my friend ❤️ @chadwickboseman ✨"–Kate Hudson
"I met Chadwick the day Stan [Lee] put his hand and footprints into the Chinese Theater Forecourt. He was nice and a little nervous, but very regal – like T'challa. And so talented. This is heartbreaking. 43 is too [young] to die. My heart goes out to his family and fellow fans tonight." –Kevin Smith
"thank you for the gifts you gave to us while you were here." –Ashton Kutcher
"All of us at St. Jude are devastated by the news of Chadwick Boseman's death. What a dear man. He cared so much about the children. Here we are together when he visited St. Jude. God bless his good soul." –Marlo Thomas
"This was a big night for me. I felt like I was standing with giants! @johnboyega had premiered that night in Star Wars and @chadwickboseman was announced as The Black Panther. Look at the smile on my face. I was sooo excited that they agreed to take a picture with me. Black Panther went on to become the movie I wished for when I was a kid. I always tell people i wished Movies like that came out when I was a youth. He walked like a KING! This hurts to say. RIP Chadwick. You will always be my Hero." –Donald Faison
"God of our silent tears! A brillant & talented actor, gone to soon. @chadwickboseman you leave this earth w/a beautiful body of work. When you graced our screens you brought the dignity & grace we could all be proud of. My prayers are with your loving family. RIP my dear son CTD" –Cicely Tyson
"This news is just simply unfathomable, unimaginable. Sending love and peace to his family and loved ones. Rest in Power." –Mandy Moore
"Beyond heartbreaking to hear about #chadwickboseman passing away. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and the ones who are hurting. May God bless us all and May we learn to not take a day for granted. Rest In Peace King!" –Khloe Kardashian
"So so sad! He was so nice and gracious to everyone rest in power #chadwickboseman" –Garcelle Beauvais
"Thank you for being a real one fam… Truly hate we didn't find that project for us to do together RIP Chadwick!!!! Will miss those hilarious real convos we would have anytime we saw each other!!! Praying for the fam!!!!" –Lil Rel Howery
"Breaking my twitter silence to share some beauty. This was one of my final texts from the brilliant & once-in-lifetime talent, @chadwickboseman – take this in & celebrate life. He knew how precious every moment was. Tonight the Heavens received one of its most powerful angels." –Josh Gad (read the text here)
"We love you, Chadwick. Your legacy will never die. #ripchadwickboseman" –Lena Waithe
"In power Eternally in power" –filmmaker Barry Jenkins
"#WakandaForever 🖤" –Dave Bautista
"I am beyond shocked to hear of the passing of Chadwick Boseman. He had an amazing energy that you could feel when you were with him. Much love and prayers to his family. May he Rest In Peace." –Martin Lawrence
"This is horrific. Cancer is horrific. Chadwick Boseman defied the odds of his disease and gifted us with so many great characters all while suffering the darkness and pain of cancer. Rest In Peace to this King." –Joey King
"RIP Chadwick Boseman. This is so unbelievable, sending love & light to your family" –Khalid
"This is such a premature and terrible loss. What a brilliant, beautiful, artistic mind departed us today. So much beauty in such a short period of time. Thank you Chadwick. #wakandaforever #RIPchadwickboseman" –Aisha Tyler
"Heartbreaking." –Uzo Aduba
"This is so heartbreaking…" –Lili Reinhart
"Baseball is in my blood, literally…Jackie Robinson was a pioneer and made the game better, stronger and more inclusive ….. On this day our heart goes out to the friends and family of Chadwick Boseman who played Jackie in 42.." –Tim McGraw
"So stunned. Honored to have worked with @chadwickboseman early on. Truly an amazing man. God bless his wife and family in this difficult time. Rest In Peace, brother." –Terry Crews
"#chadwickboseman has died. What a shock; he was so young, but he made an indelible on all of us. My sympathies to his family, friends and fans, who loved him beyond measure. Rest In Peace." –Bette Midler
"@chadwickboseman Rest. Such gifts wrapped in dedication to our craft. May every man you portrayed celebrate your spirit as I do… as we all do. May your family be covered in your love. #chadwickboseman" –Kim Fields
"I'm so so sorry to read this awful news. Chadwick's King will reign forever in the hearts of everyone who experienced one of the most important American films ever made. On behalf of my family, we send deep sympathy and love to his family and loved ones. #WakandaForever" –Sean Astin
"RIP Chadwick Boseman Praying for his family and loved ones." –Becky G
