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Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman dies of cancer aged 43

WION Web Team
New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaUpdated: Aug 29, 2020, 12:53 PM IST
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Photograph:(Reuters)

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Boseman's family confirmed the news on Twitter Friday night, saying “he died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.”

Actor Chadwick Boseman, best known for his role in Black Panther, has died of colon cancer. He was 43.

His family confirmed the news on Twitter Friday night, saying “he died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.”

Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago, his family added.

"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."

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Born in South Carolina, Boseman graduated from Howard University and had small roles in television before his first star turn in 2013. 

Boseman played the first black superhero to get his own standalone film in the record-breaking Marvel franchise with 2018's "Black Panther."

The movie, set in the fictional African kingdom of Wakanda, was adored by critics and audiences, becoming the first comic book film to be nominated for best picture at the Oscars and grossing over $1 billion worldwide.

Earlier in his career, Boseman played black icons Jackie Robinson in "42" -- Friday, ironically, was Jackie Robinson Day in the US -- and James Brown in "Get on Up."

The news of Boseman's death sent shockwaves through Hollywood and around the world.

"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.

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"The true power of @chadwickboseman was bigger than anything we saw on screen," wrote Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.

"From the Black Panther to Jackie Robinson, he inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want -- even super heroes."

Joe Biden's running mate Kamala Harris said she was "heartbroken" and referenced Howard University in Washington, nicknamed Bison, where they both studied.

"My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble," she tweeted. "He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family."

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Boseman's final post to Twitter, on August 12, was to congratulate Harris the day after she was announced as the Democratic candidate for vice president in the 2020 election.

Chris Evans, who played Captain America in the Marvel series, tweeted: "Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I'm endlessly grateful for our friendship."

Another of Boseman's Marvel co-stars, Mark Ruffalo, tweeted: "Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya."

Both Evans and Ruffalo signed off their tweets: "Rest in power, King."

Leading US civil rights organization the NAACP praised Boseman for "showing us how to conquer adversity with grace" and "to walk as a King, without losing the common touch."

"#RestInPower #BlackPantherForever," its tweet concluded.