August 28 marks the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman. Boseman was only 43 when he lost his four-year battle with colon cancer. Primarily known for his role as the titular character in Marvel’s Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman had a large library of work as an actor, producer, and writer.
Wakanda Forever
Chadwick Boseman was born in 1976 and studied directing at Howard University in Washington DC. In a story reported by CNN in 2020, Boseman recounted that it was Denzel Washington who had paid for his summer tuition to attend the famed school. Boseman thanked Denzel Washington during a heartfelt speech for winning the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
“There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington. And not just because of me, but my whole cast – that generation – stands on your shoulders.”
Following his graduation, Boseman began working as a writer, director, and stage actor. His tremendous performances won him multiple nominations and awards. It was 2010 when Boseman would transition to screen as a series regular on Persons Unknown. 2013 saw a masterful performance as Jackie Robinson in the film 42. 2014 brought his performance as James Brown in Get On Up. In 2017 Boseman portrayed lawyer and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in Marshall. Chadwick Boseman’s rose to international fame in 2016 with his portrayal of T’Challa/Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War. This was the first in a five-picture deal with Marvel Entertainment. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, his final film, was released posthumously in 2020 to critical acclaim.
Despite the breadth of content produced with and by Boseman, it feels as if he was taken far too early. Aside from his work on the stage and screen, Boseman was an avid philanthropist. He supported multiple charities, primarily focused on youth and healthcare. For those looking for a bit more of Chadwick Boseman’s work, Marvel has begun airing the What If…? series on Disney+, which features Boseman providing the voice work for T’Challa/Black Panther. Otherwise, it’s just as good a time as any to sit down with the family and enjoy Black Panther once more.
We’re still deeply saddened by Chadwick Boseman’s passing, and send our condolences to his loved ones on this anniversary of such a tragic moment.
