As the news hit social media that Chadwick Boseman died at age 43 after a four-year battle with colon cancer, Hollywood is remembering the actor who became a household name when he starred in the title role of the Marvel superhero movie “Black Panther.”
Jordan Peele tweeted, “This is a crushing blow.”
Fellow director Nia DaCosta wrote, “I’ll miss waiting to see what he does next. Rest in power.”
Boseman’s family announced on his Twitter on Friday night that he passed away with his wife and family by his side. Calling Boseman “a true fighter,” the family said he was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and “battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV.”
“Chadwick’s passing is absolutely devastating,” said Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios and chief creative officer of Marvel, in a statement. “He was our T’Challa, our Black Panther, and our dear friend. Each time he stepped on set, he radiated charisma and joy, and each time he appeared on screen, he created something truly indelible. He embodied a lot of amazing people in his work, and nobody was better at bringing great men to life. He was as smart and kind and powerful and strong as any person he portrayed. Now he takes his place alongside them as an icon for the ages. The Marvel Studios family deeply mourns his loss, and we are grieving tonight with his family.”
Several other Marvel stars expressed their condolences on Twitter. Don Cheadle wrote, “I will miss you, birthday brother. you were always light and love to me. my god…”
“I have absolutely no words,” wrote Simu Liu, star of the upcoming “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.” “Rest in power my brother.”
Brie Larson said on Twitter, “I’m honored to have the memories I have. The conversations, the laughter. My heart is with with you and your family. You will be missed and never forgotten.”
“Chadwick was special,” wrote Chris Evans. “A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create.”
Angela Bassett, who played Boseman’s mother in “Black Panther,” shared a gallery of photos of the two, both in character and out, on Instagram.
“I’m gonna have to tell Cy, Bowie and Zen that T’Challa has passed,” “Guardians of the Galaxy” star Zoe Saldana said, referring to her children. “What other king can I tell them about now?”
Another “Guardians” star, Chris Pratt, wrote, “My prayers go out to Chadwick’s family and loved ones. The world will miss his tremendous talent.”
“We are all heartbroken by the tragic loss of #chadwickboseman — an extraordinary talent, and one of the most gentle and giving souls I have ever met,” wrote former Walt Disney Studios CEO Bob Iger. “He brought enormous strength, dignity and depth to his groundbreaking role of Black Panther; shattering myths and stereotypes.”
“Hard to hear about this. Rest in love, brother,” Dwayne Johnson wrote. “Thank you for shining your light and sharing your talent with the world. My love and strength to your family.”
“In power,” director Barry Jenkins wrote. “Eternally in power.”
Political figures have also commented on Boseman death. Former vice president and current presidential candidate Joe Biden wrote, “The true power of Chadwick Boseman was bigger than anything we saw on screen. From the Black Panther to Jackie Robinson, he inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even super heroes.”
In a statement, Denzel Washington — who was one of the benefactors of a scholarship that enabled Boseman to study acting at the British American Drama Academy of Oxford, England — wrote, “He was a gentle soul and a brilliant artist,who will stay with us for eternity through his iconic performances over his short yet illustrious career. God bless Chadwick Boseman.”
Thomas Tull, who produced “42,” in which Chadwick starred as Jackie Robinson, wrote, “Chadwick was a force of nature full of abundant talent and strong spirit. Tonight all baseball teams are wearing 42 to honor Jackie Robinson, and today marks the anniversary of Dr. King’s iconic I Have a Dream speech. Chad was special, he played Jackie Robinson with respect and reverence for the legacy of a man who changed the world. Chad was kind and genuine, I will miss him dearly and I will never forget him. My heart goes out to his wife and family.”
See more tributes to Boseman below.