Chadwick Boseman, who played the iconic role of Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, died of colon cancer.
“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” reads a statement on social media. “Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV.”
“A true fighter, Chadwick perserved through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. 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,” the statement continues.
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020
The actor died on Friday at home beside his wife and family.
“The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time,” the statement reads.
Boseman became a household name after playing the high-profile role of Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War in 2016. In 2017, he portrayed Thurgood Marshall while he was a lawyer, a man who would become the first black Supreme Court justice.
He shot to stardom in 2018 as King T’Challa in Marvel’s Black Panther. On opening weekend, the film grossed over $200 million and went on to earn over $1.3 billion worldwide. He continued to portray the hero in Avengers: Infinity War in 2018 and Avengers: Endgame in 2019. Infinity War became one of the top five highest-grossing films, but Endgame eventually became the highest-grossing film of all time.
