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Celebrities React To The News Of Chadwick Boseman’s Death

Celebrities React To The News Of Chadwick Boseman’s Death
Posted at 2:00 PM, Aug 31, 2020
and last updated 2021-07-07 14:52:42-04

News of Chadwick Boseman’s unexpected death sent a ripple of shock and sadness across the world. The 43-year-old actor’s death was announced on his social media accounts on Aug. 28. According to the official statement, the “Black Panther” star died of colon cancer — and he had been filming movies throughout his treatments for the disease.

“Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV,” the statement read.

Boseman had not spoken of his diagnosis in public.

The combination of Boseman’s young age and his unknown cancer fight struck a chord on social media. Within moments of the announcement, fans and celebrities began sharing their memories, appreciation and condolences to his family.

Even days later, the final tweet on Boseman’s Twitter account continues to get likes, shares and comments. As of Aug. 29, the tweet was officially designated as the most liked Tweet ever by the social media platform.

Marvel Entertainment posted an image of Boseman as T’Challa in “Black Panther,” writing on Twitter, “Your legacy will live on forever. Rest in Peace.”

A number of Boseman’s “Avengers” co-stars shared their grief publicly.

Mark Ruffalo, who played The Hulk, posted a tribute to his co-star, highlighting how working with Boseman was “the highest honor.”

Robert Downey Jr., who played Iron Man in the Marvel Universe movies, shared his memories about how Boseman made him laugh and wrote that he “leveled the playing field while fighting for his life.”

Actor Chris Evans, who played Captain America, called Boseman “a deeply committed and constantly curious artist” in his Twitter tribute.

Brie Larson (Captain Marvel) tweeted the broken heart emoji and shared a few words about her co-star and friend.

“Chadwick was someone who radiated power and peace,” Larson wrote. “Who stood for so 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.”

In addition to playing the superhero Black Panther, Boseman portrayed sports legend Jackie Robinson in the movie “42,” singer James Brown in “Get on Up” and Thurgood Marshall in the movie “Marshall.” His work on screen helped advance the presence and power of African Americans in Hollywood.

Boseman also volunteered, visiting children, including those who were also sick with cancer. But, he never shared his own personal struggle with the disease. President Barack Obama highlighted Boseman’s service in his social media tribute.

Oprah Winfrey also marveled at Boseman’s strength throughout his silent fight with terminal cancer, writing, “What a gentle gifted SOUL. Showing us all that Greatness in between surgeries and chemo.”

Actress Kerry Washington shared that Boseman was “a warrior of light til the very end.”

One of the most moving tributes came from award-winning actress Angela Bassett, who shared a personal story about Boseman reminded her of how they met before they worked together in Hollywood.

“During the premiere party for ‘Black Panther,’ Chadwick reminded me of something,” Bassett wrote on Instagram. “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! … I am honored that we enjoyed that full circle experience.”

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