Messages of Grief and Shock Flood the Internet for the Death of Chadwick Boseman at 43

Radar

The whole of Hollywood and the world mourn the news of the death of iconic Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer. He was 43.

In a statement shared in the actor’s official social media accounts, Boseman’s family talked about the trailblazing star’s long-standing fight against cancer, which he was diagnosed with as early as 2016 up until his last moments when it progressed to Stage IV leading to his unexpected death.

The statement read, “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.”

The post also stated that the actor, who played King T’Challa in the historic Marvel Cinematic Universe’ comic book-to-screen adaptation of Black Panther, passed away in his home with his wife and family.

An outpouring of grief and and shock brought the Internet to a standstill, as is expected for the unforeseen news, where Boseman’s culture-defining contribution to mainstream cinema, breathing life and leading a predominantly black cast as the Wakandan regal warrior, was celebrated.

Key figures in and out of Hollywood have paid respects virtually and expressed deepest sympathies while highlighting the remarkable imprint brought by the dignity and heart Boseman has allowed the character of T’Challa to soar to unimaginable heights, waving the flag for representation and oneness across the globe. The 2018 has reportedly amassed over $ 1.3 Billion in the global box office.

Former US President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, separately recollected their meetings of the fallen hero, impressed by his ability to bring his now-historic characters to life “with such captivating depth and honesty.”

The MCU family, expressed deepest sympathies to the actor’s family, upon hearing the devastating news of the sudden death of one of the most successful and vital cogs in the franchise’s universe of trailblazing superheroes.

In a statement shared by The Hollywood Reporter editor Aaron Couch, producer and President of the Marvel Studios and Chief Creative Officer of Marvel, Kevin Feige highlighted Boseman’s “indelible” legacy to the world beyond filmmaking. He wrote, “He embodied a lot of amazing people in his work, and nobody is greater at bringing great men to life.”

The official account of Marvel comics legend, Stan Lee, also expressed pride in witnessing the actor’s trailblazing performances.

A-listers of the MCU have each shared grief and mourning over the actor’s untimely passing from his private ordeal with colon cancer.

Legendary actress Angela Bassett, who played the Queen Mother, opposite Boseman in Black Panther, shared one of the most emotional stories of her affinity with the actor long before appearing together in the film. She wrote, ” 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.”

Hollywood actors outside the famed global franchise also took to their social media accounts to pay their last respects, including those from rival superhero franchise.

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Live on forever, King. 💛 @chadwickboseman

A post shared by Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) on

Boseman’s immense celebrity and legacy continues even after his passing, now among legends we have lost this year, like basketball icon Kobe Bryant, Regis Philbin, Kenny Rogers, among others. Amid the quarantine, the world has also unexpectedly lost famed celebrities like The Life of Pi‘s Irrfan Khan, Glee star Naya Rivera, and RuPaul’s Drag Race finalist ChiChi DeVayne.