Black Panther’s Chadwick Boseman Dies at 43

Beloved superstar Chadwick Boseman died on August 28, 2020 from complications because of colon cancer. He had been suffering from the insidious disease since 2016 but had kept the news within his family and friends. Although he had a terribly short career, it was bejewelled with some of the most historically relevant movies and shows of our time. From Black Panther to 42, his list of great performances is nuanced and inspirational.

Chadwick Boseman’s Life and Filmography

Chadwick Boseman was born in South Carolina to African-American parents, both of whom were blue-collar workers. Their ancestry lies among the Sierra Leone people and the Yoruba people of Nigeria. He wrote his first play, Crossroads, when he was a junior in high school. It was inspired by a classmate who got shot and killed.

He attended the prestigious Howard University in Washington D.C. and graduated with a BFA in directing. He also studied acting and directing at the British American Drama Academy in London and the Digital Film Academy in New York City.

After he moved to Los Angeles in 2008, he got his first recurring acting role in Lincoln Heights. This was his first step towards success. He later landed another recurring acting role in Persons Unknown. Boseman starred in the 2013 film 42 and played the basketball star, Jackie Robinson. That was his first starring role in a movie.

He appeared in Draft Day with Kevin Costner and Gods of Egypt, before finally landing his leading role as T’Challa, the king of Wakanda. This is his most famous and influential role yet. Black Panther received numerous accolades and success for being the first Hollywood film with an all-Black cast.

Chadwick Boseman’s Legacy

Boseman became an immediate icon for all the young black men and other people of color, who viewed him as a pioneer to fight racial injustice. It became especially important in this time of distress and in the light of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Boseman will always be remembered as a shining spirit, carrying joviality and inspiration wherever he goes. May he rest in peace.