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Actor Chadwick Boseman, who played black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown in movies before being immortalized as the superhero Black Panther in Marvel movies, died of cancer on Friday, his representative said.
Boseman died at the age of 43 at his home in the Los Angeles area of the United States, along with his wife and the rest of the family. The actor was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago, the family said in a statement.
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered in everything and brought you many of the movies you loved so much,” said the family, adding: “From ‘Marshall’ to ‘Da 5 Bloods – Brothers in Arms’, ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ by August Wilson and several others, all filmed during and between numerous surgeries and chemotherapy. It was his career honor to bring King T’Challa to life in ‘Black Panther.
The actor had never spoken publicly about the disease, which was first diagnosed in 2016, and he continued to work on various Hollywood films.
Born in South Carolina, Boseman started out with small television roles. His striking portrayal of stoic baseball star Jackie Robinson alongside Harrison Ford in “42 – A Legend’s Story” (2013) drew attention in Hollywood. A year later, he impressed again with his spirited portrayal of James Brown in the biopic “Get on Up.”
But the absolute consecration came when he played the superhero Black Panther, initially in the movie “Captain America: Civil War”, and later as the protagonist of “Black Panther”, thus becoming the first black actor to star in his own movie. in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which would become a huge box office success in 2018 and grossed more than $ 1 billion worldwide.
Set in the fictional African kingdom of Wakanda, the play was acclaimed by critics and audiences and was nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Picture, the first time this had happened with a superhero movie. “Black Panther,” directed by Ryan Coogler and featuring a largely African-American creative team, is considered a milestone in terms of black representation on the big screen, and the character would also appear in “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.” which would become the biggest gross income hit in movie history.
He recently appeared in director Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods” and would star in the sequel to Black Panther, “scheduled for 2022. The actor had already filmed for Netflix an adaptation of August’s play” Ma Rainey’s Bçack Bottom. “WIlson, opposite Viola Davis.
Boseman died the day Major League Baseball celebrated Jackie Robinson’s day.
Reactions to the actor’s death were not very expected. Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios and the film’s chief creative mentor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, said in a statement that “Chadwick’s death is absolutely devastating.” The producer highlighted that “he was our T’Challa, our Black Panther and our dear friend. Every time he walked onto a set he radiated charisma and joy, and every time he appeared on screen he created something truly indelible. He embodied many extraordinary people in his work, and no one was better than him at bringing great men to life. He was as smart, kind, powerful, and strong as anyone who played. Now it takes its place with them as icons for eternity. The Marvel Studios family is deeply saddened by this loss and joins in grieving with his family tonight. “
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