Chadwick Boseman at the American Music Awards in 2019. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)
By RYAN PEARSON AP Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Actor Chadwick Boseman, who played Black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe, died Friday of cancer, his representative said. He was 43.
Boseman 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.
Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago, his family said in a statement.
"A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much," his family said in the statement. "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. It was the honor of his career to bring King T'Challa to life in Black Panther."
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. His striking portrayal of the stoic baseball star Robinson opposite Harrison Ford in 2013's "42" drew attention in Hollywood.
Boseman died on a 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.
"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.
Comments
bahamianson 3 years, 8 months ago
No disrespect , but this is not our news. Get with it!
mrsmith 3 years, 8 months ago
Excuse the Tribune. They fall asleep on nights and weekends. Still a sad story though not a local one.
DDK 3 years, 8 months ago
Do forgive me, but what has this to do with Bahamas news, or even world news, may this individual rest in peace.
ThisIsOurs 3 years, 8 months ago
It's sad news. People relate to who they relate to. And many Bahamians relate to him because of Black Panther. It's sad news
Clamshell 3 years, 8 months ago
I wish they’d related to him because he had a college education and a career. Sad, RIP.
ThisIsOurs 3 years, 8 months ago
people relate to who they relate to. Frank Sinatra had a great voice and he hung out with mobsters. That's it. King James can dribble a ball. Money Mayweather beats people up...
trueBahamian 3 years, 8 months ago
Although, we may say that it's not Bahamian news, it is very tragic news. As a black nation, it's important for our black youth particularly in the inner city to see successful positive people of color. So, the death of Chadwick Boseman, although he isn't Bahamian, there's value to recognizing it within our context.
For the record, there are other non-Bahamian stories from around the globe that are on this website from time to time. As they have a section in the paper for international news, I believe they put online those that are major note.
rodentos 3 years, 8 months ago
strange?! people die from something else than covid? cannot be
birdiestrachan 3 years, 7 months ago
Many Bahamians admired him and enjoyed his movies. He always had a smile in spite of what he was going through.
He died Young. may his soul rest in peace. and as he would say in power.
He was also a good example for young black men. Death will come to all but it still hurts and brings much sorrow.
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