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Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman has died aged 43

Photo credit: Jeff Kravitz - Getty Images
Photo credit: Jeff Kravitz - Getty Images

From Harper's BAZAAR

Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman has died of cancer aged 43.

Boseman died at his home in LA with his wife and family by his side, his publicist Nicki Fioravante said in a statement on Friday (28 August). He was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago but had not made the information public.

It is believed he married his long-term partner, the singer Taylor Simon Ledward, earlier this year.

"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.

"From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson's Ma Raineys Black Bottom and several more – all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honour of his career to bring King TChalla to life in Black Panther."

Tributes have poured in for the star, as the news of his death has left film fans and colleagues shocked and devastated.

"This is a crushing blow," director Jordan Peele wrote.

"What a gentle gifted SOUL. Showing us all that Greatness in between surgeries and chemo," Oprah Winfrey said. "The courage, the strength, the Power it takes to do that. This is what Dignity looks like."

Mark Ruffalo, who starred alongside Boseman in the Marvel films, said it was an honour to have worked with him.

"All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of Chadwick Boseman," he wrote on Twitter. "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."

Photo credit: John Shearer - Getty Images
Photo credit: John Shearer - Getty Images

Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris said Boseman "made a difference" as she paid tribute on Twitter: "Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family."

Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis, who starred alongside Boseman in the film adaptation of the August Wilson play Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, shared her devastation following his death.

"Chadwick..... no words to express my devastation of losing you. Your talent, your spirit, your heart, your authenticity........ It was an honour working beside you, getting to know you.... Rest well prince... May flights of angels sing thee to thy heavenly rest. I love you!"

Zoe Saldana described Boseman as "one of the classiest men" she had ever met, posting on Instagram: "Rest in Power King T’Challa. My heart is so heavy right now.

"Your passing has hit me hard. I will tell my sons about you forever. You were one of the classiest men I have ever met in my life. It was an honour to have shared minutes with you on screen and to have crossed paths with you during press.

"Though our acquaintance was light you always left a lasting impression because of your energy, poise and gentle manner. May the Universe deliver you to your promise land brother. ~ Que en paz y en poder logres descansar finalmente. Con lo poco que estuviste aquí, dejaste un legado increíble!!!"

Black Panther co-star Angela Bassett shared a poignant tribute to Boseman on Instagram in which she called the star "awe-inspiring" and a "real talent".

Boseman was known for playing Black icons; he starred as baseball great Jackie Robinson in 2013's 42, and soul singer James Brown in 2014's Get on Up.

In Black Panther, Boseman starred as the ruler of Wakanda, a fictional African nation with the most advanced technology on earth, and his Wakanda Forever salute reverberated worldwide.

It was the first superhero film to get a nomination for Best Picture at the Oscars. Boseman was last seen on screen in Spike Lee's critically-acclaimed Da 5 Bloods.

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