Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther Family Lupita Nyong'o, Letitia Wright, Michael B. Jordan, and More Share Powerful Tributes

Following Chadwick Boseman's death of cancer at the age of 43, tributes have been pouring in on social media from across Hollywood and the world. Some of the most poignant remembrances have come from Boseman's Marvel Cinematic Universe co-stars, who acted alongside him in the history-making Black Panther as well as in blockbusters Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.

Lupita Nyong'o, who played T'Challa's love interest Nakia, wrote about Boseman in a moving Instagram tribute. "Chadwick was a man who made the most of his time, and somehow also managed to take his time," she said. "I didn't know him for long, but he had a profound effect on me in the time that I did. When we came together to make Black Panther, I remember being struck by his quiet, powerful presence."

"He showed up to every rehearsal and training and shoot day with his game face on," Nyong'o wrote. "He was absorbent. Agile. He set the bar high by working with a generosity of spirit, creating an ego-free environment by sheer example, and he always had a warm gaze and a strong embrace to share." She concluded, "His power lives on and will reverberate for generations to come. He used his life force to tell meaningful stories. And now we tell his."

Letitia Wright, who played T'Challa's sister, Shuri, spoke about Boseman in an emotional video tribute posted to her Instagram. "You always moved with grace and ease. Every time I saw you, the world would be a better place," she said in the clip. "Words can't describe how I feel — how we all feel — that losing you was forced upon us, to accept this as a new reality. I wish I got to say goodbye."

She went on, remembering their first meeting, "And I'll never forget the day that I met you, before I got on the plane to L.A. for my first meeting with you, God told me that you were my brother and that I am to love you as such. And I always did, and I always will."

Wright continued, "But now my heart is broken, searching for old messages of exchange, cards filled with your handwriting and memories of you holding my hand as if it was for eternity. I thought we had more time, and many more years to come, for more laughter and more moments of me picking on you on set. Leaning my head on your shoulders in the throne room as Ryan gave us notes." She concluded, "You're forever in my heart."

Ryan Coogler Pays Tribute to Chadwick Boseman: 'He Was An Epic Firework Display'

Angela Bassett, who played T'Challa's mother, Queen Ramonda, wrote about first meeting Boseman when she received her honorary degree from Howard University, and Boseman was the student assigned to escort her to the ceremony. "It was meant to be for Chadwick and me to be connected, for us to be family," she wrote in a moving tribute on Instagram. "This young man's dedication was awe-inspiring, his smile contagious, his talent unreal. So I pay tribute to a beautiful spirit, a consummate artist, a soulful brother...'Thou art not dead but flown afar..." All you possessed, Chadwick, you freely gave. Rest now, sweet prince."

Danai Gurira, who played Okoye, one of T'Challa's confidantes and the general of the Dora Milaje, shared her memories of Boseman, writing, "How do you honor a king?

"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," she wrote in a statement on Twitter. "And so perfectly equipped to take on the responsibility of leading the franchise that changed everything for Black representation."

Gurira continued, "He played great, iconic roles because he possessed inside 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."

Ryan Coogler, who directed Black Panther, wrote a powerful and emotional statement in which he described Boseman as "a caretaker, a leader, and a man of faith, dignity, and pride" who deeply valued his privacy and "shielded his collaborators from his suffering." Coogler recalled Boseman's many contributions to the film, including decisions about the language of Wakanda as well as its customs and rituals, all while aiming to make a Lord of the Rings or Star Wars for the African diaspora.

"In African cultures we often refer to loved ones that have passed on as ancestors. Sometimes you are genetically related. Sometimes you are not," Coogler wrote. "I had the privilege of directing scenes of Chad's character, T'Challa, communicating with the ancestors of Wakanda. We were in Atlanta, in an abandoned warehouse, with bluescreens, and massive movie lights, but Chad's performance made it feel real. I think it was because from the time that I met him, the ancestors spoke through him. It's no secret to me now how he was able to skillfully portray some of our most notable ones. I had no doubt that he would live on and continue to bless us with more. But it is with a heavy heart and a sense of deep gratitude to have ever been in his presence, that I have to reckon with the fact that Chad is an ancestor now. And I know that he will watch over us, until we meet again."

Hollywood Mourns Black Panther Star Chadwick Boseman

Boseman's Black Panther co-star and longtime friend Michael B. Jordan also paid tribute to the late actor, penning a heartfelt post on Instagram that repeatedly used the refrain, "I wish we had more time."

"Since nearly the beginning of my career... you paved the way for me," Jordan wrote in part. "You showed me how to be better, honor purpose, and create legacy. And whether you've known it or not…I've been watching, learning and constantly motivated by your greatness." Calling Boseman his "big brother," Jordan recalled the actor's devotion to what he loved most: "You cared about your family, your friends, your craft, your spirit. You cared about the kids, the community, our culture and humanity. You cared about me."

Jordan concluded with a reference to an iconic line uttered by his Black Panther character, Killmonger: "I'm dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did. With grace, courage, and no regrets. 'Is this your king!?' Yes . he . is!  Rest In Power Brother."

Many more of Boseman's fellow MCU stars, including Sterling K. Brown, Winston Duke, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Don Cheadle, Brie Larson, Chris Hemsworth, and more familiar faces from the superhero franchise, shared moving tributes to Boseman. See more tributes to the actor below.

Black Panther co-star Letitia Wright:

Black Panther co-star Winston Duke:

Black Panther co-star Sterling K. Brown:

Marvel boss Kevin Feige:

"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." 

Captain America star Chris Evans: 

Winter Soldier, Civil War, and Avengers: Infinity War/Endgame directors Joe and Anthony Russo: 

Iron Manstar Robert Downey Jr:

Nick Fury actor Samuel L. Jackson: 

The Hulk actor Mark Ruffalo:

War Machine actor Don Cheadle:

Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt:

Thor: Ragnarokdirector Taika Waititi:  

Thor actor Chris Hemsworth:

Guardians of the Galaxy actress Zoe Saldana:  

Hawkeye actor Jeremy Renner:  

Luke Cage star Mike Colter:

Captain Marvel star Brie Larson: 

Spider-Man actor Tom Holland: 

Vision actor Paul Bettany: 

Civil War actor Daniel Brühl: 

Bucky Barnes actor Sebastian Stan:

Guardians of the Galaxy actress Karen Gillan: 

Simu Liu, star of Marvel's upcoming Shang-Chi film:

More on Chadwick Boseman's celebrated film and TV career.

Additional reporting by Megan Vick and Kaitlin Thomas.