‘Black Panther’ Star Chadwick Boseman Dies, Succumbs To Cancer At 43

Chadwick Boseman, who was the star of the enormously successful Marvel film Black Panther, has died of colon cancer at age 43.

He kept his diagnosis and four-year struggle against the disease quiet from the public. Boseman died Friday at home in Los Angeles with his wife and family present, according to his publicist.

Boseman also played the roles of baseball icon Jackie Robinson and music superstar James Brown during his career. But his role as the Black Panther, the king of the mythical African land of Wakanda, took his stardom to the stratosphere.

Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago, his family said in a statement.

“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.”

Kevin Feige, President, Marvel Studios and Chief Creative Officer, Marvel, called Boseman’s passing “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.”

Disney’s Bob Iger also issued a statement mourning Boseman.

“We are all heartbroken by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman — 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.”

Soon after the announcement on social media of Boseman’s death on Friday evening, tributes began to pour in from peers and admirers across the industry including Denzel Washington, Kerry Washington, Ava DuVernay, Presidential candidate Joe Biden and running mate Sen. Kamala Harris, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and Black Panther co-star Sterling K Brown.

I don’t have words. Rest In Peace, Bruh. Thank you for all you did while you were here. Thank you for being a friend. You are loved. You will be missed. ???? https://t.co/8rK4dWmorq

— Sterling K Brown (@SterlingKBrown) August 29, 2020

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. https://t.co/U3OOnJVS42

— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) August 29, 2020

“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

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. pic.twitter.com/C5xGkUi9oZ

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 29, 2020

May you have a beautiful return, King. We will miss you so. pic.twitter.com/jdip3RHoXb

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 29, 2020

i will miss you, birthday brother. you were always light and love to me. my god … ✌?♥️✊? ??‍♂️ forever and ever … https://t.co/9pORaKZuQN pic.twitter.com/awX3DiTVwn

— Don Cheadle (@DonCheadle) August 29, 2020

I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking.

Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King? pic.twitter.com/oBERXlw66Z

— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) August 29, 2020

“Chadwick was a superhero on screen and in life, and it’s impossible to imagine working at the level he has while valiantly battling his illness. His legacy as a person and an artist will inspire millions. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time.” – Ted Sarandos, Netflix Co-CEO & Chief Content Officer

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— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) August 29, 2020

We are devastated by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman. His transcendent performance in “42” will stand the test of time and serve as a powerful vehicle to tell Jackie’s story to audiences for generations to come. pic.twitter.com/8oU7QpdLSE

— MLB (@MLB) August 29, 2020

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— Brie Larson (@brielarson) August 29, 2020

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 (@IAmCicelyTyson) August 29, 2020

A warrior of light til the very end. A true king. I am without words. May he rise in power. https://t.co/50nfbvZpAq

— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) August 29, 2020

“The last time I saw Chadwick, it was across a crowded room. It had been a while, but I made my way and as I apologized to him for my role in the dissolution of a project we were meant to make together, he paused me, placed his hand on my shoulder and said: “Don’t even trip.” Followed by: “You good, though?” This was well within his very private fight. I have no doubt  I’m not alone in this experience. This is an unspeakable sadness.” – Barry Jenkins, Moonlight director

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.

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 29, 2020

Hard to hear about this.
Rest in love, brother.
Thank you for shining your light and sharing your talent with the world. My love and strength to your family. https://t.co/hNAWav7Cq8

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 29, 2020

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 (@MarkRuffalo) August 29, 2020

An immeasurable loss. From "Black Panther" to "Da 5 Bloods," Chadwick Boseman brought strength and light to the screen, every time. pic.twitter.com/vRXxYU8Tbr

— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 29, 2020

Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman’s family. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/DyibBLoBxz

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) August 29, 2020