Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman dies at 43 after battle with cancer

Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman has died after a private four-year battle with colon cancer, his family said in a statement on Friday. He was 43.  

The actor died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side.  

‘It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman. Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV,’ the family said. 

‘A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much.’ 

 Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman has died at 43 after private four-year battle with colon cancer

His family confirmed his passing in a statement on social media on Friday, saying the actor had been diagnosed with stage III cancer in 2016

The family revealed many of Boseman’s films, including Marshall, Da 5 Bloods, and August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, 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,’ the statement said. ‘The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.’

Boseman had not spoken publicly about his diagnosis.

Born in South Carolina, Boseman graduated from Howard University and had small roles in television before his first star turn in 2013. 

The actor had been known for playing real-life figures, including professional baseball player Jackie Robinson in 2013 biopic 42, and James Brown in 2014’s Get On Up, before he landed the Marvel role which made him a superstar.  

Boseman’s death fell on the day that 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 ‘Wakanda Forever’ salute reverberated around the world after the release of ‘Black Panther’ two years ago. 

Boseman pictured with Michael B. Jordan and Angela Bassett at the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 27, 2019

Boseman and Taylor Simone Ledward attend the 69th NBA All-Star Game at United Center on February 16, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois

Black Panther was a hit with critics who praised its diversity and it grossed over $1.3billion at the global box office, as well as earning a best picture nomination at the Academy Awards.  

Marvel Studios released a statement on his passing on Twitter saying: ‘Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman’s family. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace.’

‘This is a crushing blow’ actor and director Jordan Peele said on Twitter, one of many expressing shock as the news spread across social media.

‘This broke me,’ said actor and writer Issa Rae.