Hollywood Mourns Chadwick Boseman: ‘This Is a Crushing Blow’

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.”

Former President Barack Obama paid tribute to Boseman online noting that he saw noticed something special in the actor early in his career when he visited the White House after playing Jackie Robinson in “42.”

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 died 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.”

Anthony and Joe Russo, who directed Boseman’s debut in “Captain America: Civil War” and his appearances in “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame,” remembered the Black Panther star.

“Chadwick was such an elegant man with great integrity and tremendous talent. He inspired an entire generation to stand up and be king. Honor him by emulating him — show kindness and love to others. Share your talents in ways that impact. Always strive to be a light in the darkness,” they said.

Several other Marvel stars expressed their condolences on Twitter. Boseman’s “Black Panther” co-star Letitia Wright, who plays T’Challa’s sister Shuri in the blockbuster, took to the platform on Sunday to say she was “hurting.”

Danai Gurira, who plays Okoye, the leader of Wakanda’s Dora Milaje guards, wrote a lengthy statement on Twitter. “How do you honor a king? Reeling from the loss of my colleague, my friend, my brother. Nothing feels adequate. I always marveled at how special Chadwick was. Such a pure hearted, profoundly generous, regal, fun guy. My entire job as Okoye was to respect and protect a king. Honor his leadership. Chadwick made that job profoundly easy.

“He was the epitome of kindness, elegance, diligence and grace. On many an occasion I would think how thankful I was that he was the leading man I was working closely with. A true class act. And so perfectly equipped to take on the responsibility of leading the franchise that changed everything for Black representation. He made everyone feel loved, heard and seen. He played great, iconic roles because he possessed inside of himself that connection to greatness to be able to so richly bring them to life. He had a heroic spirit, and marched to the beat of his own drum; hence his excellence as an artist and the incredible courage and determination as he faced life’s challenges; while still guiding us all.

“He was zen and funny (with the very best laugh), attentive and truly, truly good. I can’t even wrap my mind around this loss. A loss resonating in my own heart as well as around the globe. The children he inspired, my heart aches for them, to lose their hero just as they finally found him. I am so thankful to have taken the ‘Black Panther’ journey with him. To have known him, spent time in his light and leadership and to call him forever a friend,” she wrote, ending the statement with “Lala Ngoxolo Kumkani,” which means “Rest in peace, O king” in Xhosa.

Meanwhile, Don Cheadle wrote, “I will miss you, birthday brother. you were always light and love to me. my god…”

“Iron Man” star Robert Downey Jr., shared a video of him and Boseman on Instagram, writing, “Mr. Boseman leveled the playing field while fighting for his life…That’s heroism…I’ll remember the good times, the laughter, and the way he changed the game… #chadwickforever”

Tom Holland, who debuted as Spider-Man alongside Boseman’s first appearance in “Captain America: Civil War,” wrote a tribute on Instagram.

“Chadwick, you were even more of a hero off screen than on. A role model not only to me on set, but to millions of others around the world. You brought joy and happiness to so many and I’m proud to have been able to call you a friend,” he wrote.

“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, a producer on the upcoming “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” which will be Boseman’s final film, 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.”

“Chadwick…..no words to express my devastation of losing you,” Viola Davis, who stars with Boseman in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” tweeted. “Your talent, your spirit, your heart, your authenticity……..It was an honor working beside you, getting to know you.

Josh Gad, who co-starred with Boseman in 2017’s “Marshall,” shared a screengrab of one of the last texts he received from his costar, in which Boseman marveled at the beauty of a rainy day in Los Angeles.

“He knew how precious every moment was,” wrote Gad. “Tonight the Heavens received one of its most powerful angels.”

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.”

The Jackie Robinson Foundation also honored the star, calling him a “dear friend.”

“Preparing for his starring role in ’42,’ he studied extensively and spent considerable time with Rachel Robinson. A consummate professional, he absorbed every story, every memory and every photo and film excerpt he could consume to help translate the soul of an American hero. And now, Chadwick will be etched in history as a hero in his own right, especially having shown millions of Black and Brown children the power of a superhero who looks like them,” the foundation said in a statement. “Chadwick — may you rest in peace eternally. Take your place among the greats.”

Charles D. King, founder and CEO of the production company Macro, thanked Boseman for the “vision of royalty” he gave to his two sons.

“Chadwick. Still processing the tremendous void left with your passing. The power of your performances and the images you seared on screen will resonate for generations. Thank you for the vision of royalty you gave to my two young kings, and to the entire world. Each time we met, I was struck by your humility, your character, your kindness and your commitment to your craft and uplifting our community. Rest in peace and power King. You are a gift to be forever treasured,” he said.

See more tributes to Boseman below.

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