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American actor Chadwick Boseman, the lead actor in the hit superhero movie “Black Panther,” has died. He succumbed to colon cancer at the age of 43, his agent announced Friday.
“It was the great honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther,” the statement said. “He died at home with his wife and family by his side.”
Boseman had been diagnosed with cancer in 2016. He did not speak publicly about his illness, but instead continued his work on major film projects in Hollywood. His family said Boseman “got through it all” and continued filming during and between his numerous surgeries and chemotherapy treatments.
The action science fiction film “Black Panther” with Boseman in the title role, produced by Marvel Studios, opened in theaters in February 2018 and was a huge success around the world. The film grossed more than a billion dollars (840 million euros) at the box office. Boseman became the first black superhero in Marvel Studios history.
Boseman, who was born in South Carolina to a nurse and small business owner, also played black icons like baseball player Jackie Robinson in “42” and musician James Brown in “Get on Up.” Most recently she starred in director Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods.” A sequel to “Black Panther” was planned for 2022.
Boseman’s early death didn’t just shake Hollywood. “The actual power of Chadwick Boseman was greater than anything we’ve ever seen on screen,” Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden wrote on Twitter. With his roles, Boseman “inspired entire generations and showed them that they can be anything, even superheroes.”
The American civil rights organization NAACP said Boseman showed everyone “how to face adversity with dignity.” The Marvel editor said on Twitter: “Our hearts are broken and our thoughts go out to the Chadwick Boseman family. Your legacy will live on forever.”
Actor Mark Ruffalo, who played the Marvel hero Hulk, wrote: “Brother, you were one of the greatest of all time and your greatness was just beginning.”
