The word was rocked recently due to the tragic passing of famous actor Chadwick Boseman. The famous actor died late on August 28th at the age of 43. Immediately upon his death, every social media site lit up with people mourning his passing and wishing his family well. Since then many have begun speaking out in tribute of all that the actor did and what he meant to them. The original comment confirming Boseman’s death on his twitter page is now the most-liked tweet in history.
A Career Cut Too Short
Boseman’s career had only just started as an actor. Boseman got his first television role in 2003, in an episode of Third Watch. That same year, Boseman portrayed Reggie Montgomery in All My Children. He was soon fired however for voicing concerns about racists portrayals in the shows scripts. Boseman would continue in television until 2008 when he landed his first movie role of Floyd Little in 2008’s with The Express: The Ernie Davis Story.
In 2013 he starred in 42, portraying the career Jackie Robinson. One of America’s first African American major league baseball players. In 2015 Boseman landed the role of King T’Challa in 2015’s Captain America: Winter Soldier. Boseman then starred in 2018’s Black Panther. A movie that was nominated for seven Academy Awards; including Best Picture.
He won several awards for his portrayal of King T’Challa. Including one award for best actor, and two for outstanding performance in a motion picture. That same year he won another award for outstanding performance for his portrayal of Andre Davis in 21 Bridges and was named Entertainer of the Year by the NAACP Image Awards.
A True Superhero
The most shocking part of Boseman’s death was the reason behind it. His death comes as a result of a long four year battle with colon cancer. A battle few knew the actor was going through. Even Black Panther filmmaker Ryan Coogler admitted recently he was not privy to the details.
The revelation that Boseman’s had been battling with the disease while filming nearly all of his most famous roles was a complete shock to all. Many mourned that Boseman’s chose to keep his condition a secret, saying they would have liked to have been able to send their support and love for the actor while he was still alive.
However, we all understand and respect Boseman’s decision to keep his condition a secret. Many commentators noting how Boseman’s willingness to continue on with the physically demanding work required of him while battling his disease is right out of a superhero movie.
