Actor Chadwick Boseman, who played Black icons like Jackie Robinson and James Brown before finding rising to superstardom brining King T’Challa to life for Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe, died Friday of cancer, his representatives have announced. He was only 43.
Boseman died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side, his publicist Nicki Fioravante told The Associated Press.
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.”
Boseman had not spoken publicly about his diagnosis. More on this tragic news as it comes in. Our well wishes are with Boseman’s loved ones at this time.
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020
