The Reel 360 team is heartbroken. Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman has died at 43. His Twitter account reported that he had been battling colon cancer.
Boseman also appeared in Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods, Get on Up, 42 and Draft Day.
“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” the statement read. “It was the honor of his life to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”
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According to the Associated Press, Boseman died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side.
Boseman, who most famously brought the first black Marvel superhero to life in Black Panther, was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago. His family said in a statement, but he never spoke publicly about his diagnosis.
“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 in the statement. “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.”
Born in South Carolina, Boseman graduated from Howard University and had small roles in television before his first star turn in 2013. His striking portrayal of the stoic baseball star Robinson opposite Harrison Ford in 2013′s 42 drew attention in Hollywood.
Boseman died on a day that Major League Baseball was celebrating Jackie Robinson day.
“This is a crushing blow” actor and director Jordan Peele said on Twitter, one of many expressing shock as the news spread across social media.
“This broke me,” said actor and writer Issa Rae.
Reel 360 is heartbroken. Stay tuned…
