The world was shocked Friday night to hear of the devastating loss of actor Chadwick Boseman. At just 43 years old, Boseman passed away after a four year battle with colon cancer. The news didn’t seem real for an actor at the height of his success.
Chadwick Boseman was born in South Carolina to Carolyn and Leroy Boseman, a nurse and textile worker. He showed a passion for the arts from a young age, writing his first play in high school. Boseman graduated from Howard University and went on to study acting at the British American Drama Academy. His tuition was partially funded by none other than Denzel Washington.
Although he had a string of TV appearances in the mid-2000s, his career took off in 2013 when he played Jackie Robinson in the baseball film 42. It was immediately evident to anyone who saw the film that Boseman was a star. He followed that up by playing James Brown in Get on Up the following year. Something that Boseman did throughout his career was portray historical black individuals with grace and dignity. From Jackie Robinson to James Brown, to Thurgood Marshall in 2017’s Marshall. He brought a voice to these individuals through layered and emotional biopics, making sure that the public could see their stories on the big screen.
Shortly after the success of 42 and Get on Up, Boseman’s life changed as he booked the role of T’Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He was first introduced as the character in Captain America: Civil War. Of course, he got his solo film in 2018 when Black Panther was released in theaters. I’ll never forget seeing Black Panther in a packed theater with a crowd that adored every single second of the movie. There were cheers, gasps, and applause. Everyone loved T’Challa and Boseman’s take on the character. He owned the role with confidence and humility.
Simply put, he was perfectly cast. He continued playing the character in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a theater so excited as the moment T’Challa appears to help Captain American defeat Thanos in Avengers: Endgame. It was truly an unforgettable moment.
His most recent appearance was in Da Five Blood’s released on Netflix in June. The film takes on a whole new emotional meaning as Boseman’s character plays a fallen soldier remembered by his comrades. His final performance will be in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, based on an August Wilson play about a Chicago recording session in 1927. It is said that he has a large in the film, which will premiere later this year on Netflix.
Chadwick Boseman could have easily told the world about his cancer diagnosis four years ago. He had every right. Any performer going through something so painful on a daily basis could easily talk about it in a tell-all interview. Yet, he chose to focus on his art. He filmed Marshall, Infinity War, Endgame, Da Five Bloods, Black Panther, 21 Bridges, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom with colon cancer. Seven movies. This is proof that you truly never know what others are going through.
We certainly won’t forget the work of Chadwick Boseman and everything he has contributed to the film community. I send my thoughts and prayers to his family as they deal with this tremendous loss. Life is precious. Take some time to reach out to your loved ones today.