Chadwick Boseman, star of “Black Panther,” died on Friday after a four year battle with colon cancer, his rep confirmed to Variety. He was 43.
The actor 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.
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you so many of the films you have come to love so much,” the statement said.
Chadwick Boseman, made a global impact bringing “Black Panther” to life in the Marvel Cinematic Universe along with playing Black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown on the silver screen.
Born in South Carolina, Boseman graduated from Howard University and had small roles in television before his first star turn in 2013.
In 2008, he came to Los Angeles to make a career in acting and debuted his first lead role in film “42,” in which he portrayed baseball pioneer and star Jackie Robinson.
In 2016, he began his run portraying King T’Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in the film “Captain America: Civil War.” The films were followed by “Black Panther” and “Avengers: Infinity War” in 2018 and “Avengers: Endgame” in 2019.
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” the statement said. “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.”
Chadwick Boseman’s last film Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is yet to release.
Fans expressed the grief on social media;