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Hollywood Mourns Black Panther Star Chadwick Boseman

Denzel Washington, Dwayne Johnson, Kerry Washington, and more pay tribute

Amanda Bell, Kaitlin Thomas, Megan Vick

Hollywood is mourning the unexpected loss of actor Chadwick Boseman, who died Friday at the age of 43. In a statement posted to Boseman's social media, the Black Panther star's family said that he was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016 and had filmed his work since then -- including Black Panther, Marshall, Spike Lee's Da 5 Bloods, and more -- while receiving treatment for the illness. 

Boseman's peers in Hollywood expressed their sorrow at his death, paying tribute to the actor on social media. Insecure's Issa Rae wrote of Boseman's passing, "This broke me." Director Jordan Peele said, "This is a crushing blow."

Denzel Washington, who paid for Boseman to study at the British American Drama Academy of Oxford through a scholarship program, shared his grief in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter: "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."

Condolences and heartbreaking messages also poured in from Boseman's Marvel family. Marvel boss Kevin Feige called Boseman's death "absolutely devastating," continuing 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." 

That sentiment was echoed by several of Boseman's Black Panther co-stars. Angela Bassett, who played T'Challa's mother Queen Ramonda in the film, posted a heartbreaking message on her Instagram, writing in part, "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.'" 

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“It was meant to be for Chadwick and me to be connected, for us to be family. But what many don’t know is our story began long before his historic turn as Black Panther. During the premiere party for Black Panther, Chadwick reminded me of something. He whispered that when I received my honorary degree from Howard University, his alma mater, he was the student assigned to escort me that day. And here we were, years later as friends and colleagues, enjoying the most glorious night ever! We’d spent weeks prepping, working, sitting next to each other every morning in makeup chairs, preparing for the day together as mother and son. I am honored that we enjoyed that full circle experience. 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 aren’t not dead but flown afar...”. All you possessed, Chadwick, you freely gave. Rest now, sweet prince.” #WakandaForever

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This Is Us star and Black Panther castmate Sterling K. Brown wrote, "I don't have words. Rest In Peace, Bruh. Thank you for all you did while you were here. Thank you for being a friend. You are loved. You will be missed."

Black Panther co-star Letitia Wright, who plays T'Challa's sister Shuri, expressed her grief by writing, "this hurts. really hurts."

Captain America star Chris Evans called Boseman "a true original."

Joe and Anthony Russo, who directed Captain America: Civil War, as well as Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, remembered Boseman on Instagram: "Chadwick was an incredibly elegant man with great integrity and tremendous talent. He inspired an entire generation to stand up and be king."

Fellow MCU actor Mark Ruffalo tweeted, "All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman. What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya. Rest in power, King."

Robert Downey Jr. said, "I'll remember the good times, the laughter, and the way he changed the game."

Don Cheadle wrote, "i will miss you, birthday brother. you were always light and love to me. my god ... forever and ever ..."

Samuel L. Jackson thanked Boseman for everything he gave the world: "We needed it & will always cherish it!"

"My prayers go out to Chadwick's family and loved ones. The world will miss his tremendous talent. God rest his soul," wrote Chris Pratt on Instagram.

Thor: Ragnarokdirector Taika Waititi also shared his condolences. 

Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth, sent his love and support to Boseman's family. 

Guardians of the Galaxy queen Zoe Saldana worried how she would tell her children that T'Challa had died. 

And Jeremy Renner called Boseman an "inspiration." 

Brie Larson shared a statement, saying Boseman radiated "power and peace."

Tom Holland, who plays Spider-Man in the MCU, wrote on Instagram, "Chadwick, you were even more of a hero off screen than on."

Luke Cage star Mike Colter wrote, "man. speechless. you were a king on and off screen. it doesn't seem real. you were like a comet that flew by so fast. you will be missed brother. rest easy."

Paul Bettany, who played Vision in the Marvel films, remembered Boseman as "brilliant, gentle, and princely." 

Daniel Brühl, who co-starred with Boseman in Captain America: Civil War, remembered him on Instagram.

"I was in awe of Chadwick, as an actor, in his commitment to the work and as a human. I looked up to him. The way he carried himself, how thoughtful and mindful he was, how generous...he elevated everyone around him," wrote fellow Marvel actor Sebastian Stan on Instagram.

Guardians of the Galaxyactress Karen Gillan kept things short on Twitter:

Simu Liu, star of Marvel's upcoming Shang-Chi film, reflected on how Boseman and Black Panther paved the way for him.

See more Hollywood tributes to Chadwick Boseman below:

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I’m sure this sentiment will be echo’d, and deservedly so. I feel inclined to say my heart aches with this news. Boseman was one of the g’ones. Obviously incredibly talented, had an old school/old soul approach to the work. I simply signed onto the film bc i admired his work...but getting to know him throughout the shoot off screen is where he truly shined. He was gracious and genuine. Truly listened. Cared. And not a false bone in his body. He would constantly check in and see if there was anything he could do throughout the shoot to facilitate, all without motive. Just there to help. I remember walking off set after the first day and we chatted and I started to joke about how I didn’t have the accent where I wanted it yet...he just listened. The next day we had our dialect coach waiting for us. They say there’s just certain people that have that inexplicable charisma... the intangibles..he had those in spades. Our last few moments we joked n said we gotta do something together.. maybe more than 1 scene :) I told him I’d love nothin’ more and I’ll hold him to it. I look back and I’m grateful for the time we had. The laughs, chatting about the work, how I’d rib him to ‘go get some rest... something tells me you’ll be busy for a long time:)’ He just flashed that ridiculous smile and with only his grace, just nodded. He truly was one of the good ones. He’s passed way too soon, he’s left such an indeliable mark in such a short time. Truly wont be forgotten.

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