But upon news of his death, his colleagues and friends are paying tribute to someone they saw as a hero in his own right. A man who waged a private health battle for four years while producing the kind of powerful and important work some actors can only hope to produce in a lifetime much longer than the one Boseman was given.
Below are some of their reflections.
Lena Waithe
“Gutted at the loss of you. We needed you now more than ever. I loved you, man. We all did. You will be missed.
Our little black boys lost a superhero today.
Black Panther has wings now. We all gained an angel.
This man made sure our heroes would live on forever.
Heroes like: Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and James Brown. You loved us.
Let’s love on each other y’all.”
Sterling K. Brown
Chris Pratt
Don Cheadle
“i will miss you, birthday brother. you were always light and love to me. my god … forever and ever …”
Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios and Chief Creative Officer at Marvel
“Chadwick’s passing is absolutely devastating. He was our T’Challa, our Black Panther, and our dear friend. Each time he stepped on set, he radiated charisma and joy, and each time he appeared on screen, he created something truly indelible. He embodied a lot of amazing people in his work, and nobody was better at bringing great men to life. He was as smart and kind and powerful and strong as any person he portrayed. Now he takes his place alongside them as an icon for the ages. The Marvel Studios family deeply mourns his loss, and we are grieving tonight with his family.” — via statement to CNN
Mark Ruffalo
Kerry Washington
Halle Berry
Zoe Saldana
Jesse Williams
“live your legacy now.
rest well bredren.
respect.”
Brie Larson
“Chadwick was someone who radiated power and peace. Who stood for much more than himself. Who took the time to really see how you were doing and gave words of encouragement when you felt unsure. I’m honored to have the memories I have. The conversations, the laughter. My heart is with you and your family. You will be missed and never forgotten. Rest in power and peace my friend.” — via Instagram
Jason Momoa
Scott Porter
Chris Evans
“”I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking.
Marvel Studios
Kate Hudson
Angela Bassett
“It was meant to be for Chadwick and me to be connected, for us to be family. But what many don’t know is our story began long before his historic turn as Black Panther. During the premiere party for Black Panther, Chadwick reminded me of something. He whispered that when I received my honorary degree from Howard University, his alma mater, he was the student assigned to escort me that day. And here we were, years later as friends and colleagues, enjoying the most glorious night ever! We’d spent weeks prepping, working, sitting next to each other every morning in makeup chairs, preparing for the day together as mother and son. I am honored that we enjoyed that full circle experience. This young man’s dedication was awe-inspiring, his smile contagious, his talent unreal. So I pay tribute to a beautiful spirit, a consummate artist, a soulful brother…’thou aren’t not dead but flown afar…’. All you possessed, Chadwick, you freely gave. Rest now, sweet prince.” — via Instagram