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Actor Chadwick Boseman, who played black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown before finding fame as the majestic Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has died of cancer, his manager said. He was 43 years old.
Boseman died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side, his publicist Nicki Fioravante said Friday.
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 movies you have come to love so much,” said his family.
“From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilsons Ma Raineys Black Bottom and several others, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King TChalla to life in Black Panther. “
Boseman had not spoken publicly about his diagnosis.
Born in South Carolina, Boseman graduated from Howard University and had small television roles before his first starring turn in 2013. His surprising portrayal of stoic baseball star Robinson alongside Harrison Ford garnered attention in Hollywood.
Boseman died on a day when Major League Baseball was celebrating Jackie Robinson Day.
His T’Challa character was first introduced to the blockbuster Marvel movies in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, and his salute to Wakanda Forever resonated around the world after the release of Black Panther two years ago.
“This is a crushing blow,” actor and director Jordan Peele said on Twitter, one of many who expressed shock when the news spread on social media.
