Popular Black Panther actor, who played king in the movie has died.
He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016 and battled silently with it for four years. He died at home with his family and wife, who he married in 2019 by his side, according to a caption posted on his Instagram account to announce his death. He was aged 43.
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you so many of the films you have come to love so much,” the caption 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.” With his role as King T’Challa in the boundary-breaking film “Black Panther,” he became a global icon, a hero and an inspiring symbol of Black power. That role was the “honor of (Boseman’s) career,” the statement said.
In the wake of the death of Chadwick, more than 4,000 people have signed an online petition calling on the Anderson Confederate Memorial in Anderson, South Carolina, where Boseman is from , to be replaced with a statue of Boseman.
“The Confederate Monument belongs in a museum, but has no right to be displayed there,” the petition reads. “I believe the community should come together to honor someone from Anderson, South Carolina that was able to change the movie industry. He opened many doors for many young black people with his leading roles in movies such as Black Panther or Marshall. It is only natural that his hometown honors what he did. There is no need for political controversy in this decision.”
The petition, addressed to Anderson Mayor; Terence Roberts, Gov. Henry McMaster, and local representatives, implores the lawmakers to place the Confederate statue in a museum instead.
On social media, various people in the film making industry have poured out their hearts in expressing their grief and reminiscing on how Chadwick never showed signs of going through pain, but rather bringing light and love to all on set. Michael B. Jordan, who acted alongside Chadwick in Black Panther, posted a touching tribute to the fallen hero. He said “I wish we had more time. Everything you’ve given the world … the legends and heroes that you’ve shown us we are … will live on forever. But the thing that hurts the most is that I now understand how much of a legend and hero YOU are. Through it all, you never lost sight of what you loved most. You cared about your family , your friends, your craft, your spirit. You cared about the kids, the community, our culture and humanity. You cared about me. You are my big brother, but I never fully got a chance to tell you, or to truly give you your flowers while you were here.I wish we had more time. I’m more aware now than ever that time is short with people we love and admire. I’m gonna miss your honesty, your generosity, your sense of humor, and incredible gifts. I’ll miss the gift of sharing space with you in scenes. I’m dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did. With grace, courage, and no regrets. “Is this your king!?” Yes . he . is! Rest In Power Brother.
Pictures of children of all races mourning the Black Panther hero went viral. In the photos, the kids laid the black panther on the floor with the other characters of the Avengers standing round about him paying homage. These pictures drove home the fact that Chadwick impacted kids too and not just adults. Especially in the black community, they believe Chadwick gave the little boys the perfect representation of a coloured hero.
On Twitter, the tweet announcing that the world had lost Chadwick Boseman is now the most liked tweet of all time. Twitter confirmed the accolade on its own verified account Saturday simply stating: “Most liked Tweet ever. A tribute fit for a King. #WakandaForever.”
People all over continue to mourn the passing of a hero who taught us that even in pain, one can achieve.
