Saturday, August 29, 2020

Chadwick Boseman, 1976-2020




If  "courage is grace under pressure," actor/ writer/ producer Chadwick Boseman was a star in that regard, too:
Chadwick Boseman, who played Black American icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown with searing intensity before inspiring audiences worldwide as the regal Black Panther in Marvel’s blockbuster movie franchise, died Friday of cancer. He was 43.
Boseman died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side, his publicist Nicki Fioravante told The Associated Press.
Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago, his family said in a statement.
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” his family said. “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.” (our emphasis)
He hadn't spoken publicly about his diagnosis for four years, while he pursued his acting and other creative pursuits. Think of that:  working on multiple projects for years while silently fighting for your life every day, through chemotherapy and surgeries.

Ironically, he passed away on MLB's Jackie Robinson Day, an icon he portrayed in the 2013 movie "42."  Rest in power.

BONUS:


Good that he saw this happen before he passed:

(Image: Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther/ Marvel Studios)

2 comments:

donnah said...

What a shame to lose such a bright, talented and generous young man. He shone like a star and he will truly be missed.

W. Hackwhacker said...

donnah -- yes, it's always a tragedy when someone dies so young and with so much potential ahead.