Following the shocking news Friday that “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman died following a four-year battle with cancer, the actor’s friends, peers and colleagues mourned his loss.
“You were always light and love to me,” Boseman’s friend, actor Don Cheadle said on Twitter.
“May you have a beautiful return, King. We will miss you so,” producer-director Ava DuVernay wrote.
“This is a crushing blow,” wrote actor-director Jordan Peele.
“This Broke Me,” “Insecure” star Issa Rae said.
In a statement Friday night, Boseman’s family disclosed that he was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016 and had been quietly battling the disease ever since. In the four years since his diagnosis, which came just after his star-making first appearance as T’Challa/Black Panther in “Captain America: Civil War,” Boseman endured what his family said were “countless surgeries and chemotherapy,” while still managing to star in seven films. Among those productions were “Marshall,” “21 Bridges,” and, of course, the Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbusters “Black Panther,” “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.”
Thomas Tull, who produced Boseman’s breakthrough film “42,” called the actor “a force of nature full of abundant talent and strong spirit. Tonight all baseball teams are wearing 42 to honor Jackie Robinson, and today marks the anniversary of Dr. King’s iconic I Have a Dream speech. Chad was special, he played Jackie Robinson with respect and reverence for the legacy of a man who changed the world. Chad was kind and genuine, I will miss him dearly and I will never forget him. My heart goes out to his wife and family.”
Some of Boseman’s costars and colleagues in the Marvel Cinematic Universe paid also tribute to him Friday.
“Chadwick’s passing is absolutely devastating. He was our T’Challa, our Black Panther, and our dear friend,” Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige said in a statement Friday. “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.”
“We are crushed. Marvel has lost a true superhero and friend, but our hearts are heaviest for Chadwick’s family,” Marvel Studios co-president Louis D’Esposito said. ‘Chadwick was a singular force whose King T’Challa showed the world the power of good and the meaning of loyalty and friendship. Wakanda forever, my friend.”
“All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman,” Mark Ruffalo wrote. “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.”
“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,” “Captain America” star Chris Evans said.
“Chadwick was someone who radiated power and peace. Who stood for so much more than himself. Who took the time to really see how you were doing and gave words of encouragement when you felt unsure. I’m honored to have the memories I have. The conversations, the laughter. My heart is with you and your family. You will be missed and never forgotten. Rest in power and peace my friend,” said “Captain Marvel” star Brie Larson.
“My prayers go out to Chadwick’s family and loved ones. The world will miss his tremendous talent. God rest his soul. #wakandaforever,” “Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt wrote.
“Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman’s family. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace,” Marvel Studios said in a statement Friday night.
Ted Sarandos, Netflix Co-CEO and Chief Content Officer, said of Boseman’s passing, “Chadwick was a superhero on screen and in life, and it’s impossible to imagine working at the level he has while valiantly battling his illness. His legacy as a person and an artist will inspire millions. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time.”
Also weighing in, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Boseman”inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even super heroes,” while his running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris, said she was “Heartbroken,” and that “My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble.”
Meanwhile, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences called his death “An immeasurable loss.”
Read on for a sample of tributes to the late actor:
Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman’s family. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/DyibBLoBxz
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) August 29, 2020
i will miss you, birthday brother. you were always light and love to me. my god … ✌?♥️✊? ??♂️ forever and ever … https://t.co/9pORaKZuQN pic.twitter.com/awX3DiTVwn
— Don" 't ask me google questions" Cheadle (@DonCheadle) August 29, 2020
May you have a beautiful return, King. We will miss you so. pic.twitter.com/jdip3RHoXb
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 29, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEdR9S4BVCS/?igshid=1hwenoeynoecx
This is a crushing blow.
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) August 29, 2020
I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking.
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. Rest in power, King? pic.twitter.com/oBERXlw66Z
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) August 29, 2020
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.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 29, 2020
— Brie Larson (@brielarson) August 29, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEdUMoMpGHD/?igshid=8kod3g5mpsy4
Hard to hear about this.
Rest in love, brother.
Thank you for shining your light and sharing your talent with the world. My love and strength to your family. https://t.co/hNAWav7Cq8— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 29, 2020
The true power of @ChadwickBoseman was bigger than anything we saw on screen. From the Black Panther to Jackie Robinson, he inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even super heroes. Jill and I are praying for his loved ones at this difficult time.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 29, 2020
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. pic.twitter.com/C5xGkUi9oZ
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 29, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEdUOQxpuvk/?igshid=11bmdcfdsmwyn
No words ?. Thank you my dear brother. Thank you. https://t.co/8J3F0Sysij
— Will Packer (@willpowerpacker) August 29, 2020
CANCEL EVERYTHING. MY GODDDDDDDDD.
— Janelle Monáe????? (@JanelleMonae) August 29, 2020
Crushed.
It’s hard not to despair right now. pic.twitter.com/QkIKJTp9XC— N O S ⋊ Ɔ I ᴚ ᴚ Ǝ ᗡ ⊥ ⊥ O Ɔ S (@scottderrickson) August 29, 2020
An immeasurable loss. From "Black Panther" to "Da 5 Bloods," Chadwick Boseman brought strength and light to the screen, every time. pic.twitter.com/vRXxYU8Tbr
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 29, 2020
He passed away on Jackie Robinson day
and Black Panther creator, Jack Kirby's birthday.
It all feels so unreal.— Dan Slott (@DanSlott) August 29, 2020
Damn. I never got to meet him, but man do I respect him and his work. He was one of the most inspirational, effective artists of our generation. His work means a lot to me. I looked up to him and I was rooting for him, which he made very easy to do. Such a huge, huge loss. https://t.co/zzwqGOuyu8
— William Jackson Harper (@dubjackharper) August 29, 2020
From playing legendary figures to becoming one, we’ll never forget your iconic performance as Jackie Robinson and your many inspiring roles. You will be missed, Chadwick Boseman. pic.twitter.com/NY2sKMcJIb
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 29, 2020
RIP Chadwick. Jackie Robinson. James Brown. T’Challa. You changed the game. Forever. My prayers go out to your family and loved ones. We loved you and thank you for loving all of us. pic.twitter.com/wZLQjtGMsB
— Cheo Hodari Coker (@cheo_coker) August 29, 2020
This brother right here. Wow. No words. This life. https://t.co/tjHTMzLi9o
— Jeffrey Wright (@jfreewright) August 29, 2020
A warrior of light til the very end. A true king. I am without words. May he rise in power. https://t.co/50nfbvZpAq
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) August 29, 2020
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. ???? https://t.co/8rK4dWmorq
— Sterling K Brown (@SterlingKBrown) August 29, 2020
F*ck this yr. He was battling stage 4 cancer while being our superhero. & to think people made fun of him for the weight loss. The tongue is a powerful weapon. Be wise in how you use it. Hoping he never doubted his royalty. Praying for his family
Long live the king #ripchadwick pic.twitter.com/CCUNP4CsdM
— jurnee smollett (@jurneesmollett) August 29, 2020
https://twitter.com/LenaWaithe/status/1299539805785583616
This broke me.
— Issa Rae (@IssaRae) August 29, 2020
In power
Eternally in power
— Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) August 29, 2020
Such a brutal loss. RIP, Chadwick.
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) August 29, 2020
I met Chadwick the day Stan put his hand and footprints into the Chinese Theater Forecourt. He was nice and a little nervous, but very regal – like T’challa. And so talented. This is heartbreaking. 43 is too to die. My heart goes out to his family and fellow fans tonight. https://t.co/cdsjU2oB3B
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) August 29, 2020
Rest in power Chadwick Boseman. You should have been with us so much longer. Heartbroken ? pic.twitter.com/uBIqL2fUib
— Stella Meghie (@stellamink) August 29, 2020
https://twitter.com/Winter/status/1299540527994474496
R.I.P. Chadwick Boseman. Black Panther was a seminal cultural achievement. #wakandaforever pic.twitter.com/d3gsd5lkRJ
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) August 29, 2020
Chadwick Boseman?????????????? It can’t be…
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) August 29, 2020
RIP Chadwick, thank you for all you gave us… You were always so solid and showed so much love each time we crossed paths. Damn ???
— G-Eazy (@G_Eazy) August 29, 2020
Rest In Peace, Chadwick. Gone way too soon. Talent beyond. pic.twitter.com/bsEYLts5Q4
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) August 29, 2020
RIP @THR: Actor Chadwick Boseman, who played Black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe, died Friday of cancer, his representative said. He was 43.https://t.co/eLxSiF2bJl pic.twitter.com/OzausIvOI6”
— John Cusack (@johncusack) August 29, 2020
i always loved him but knowing that chadwick boseman made all those movies while he was battling with cancer made me respect him more A TRUE HERO AN INSPIRATION TO ALL RIP LEGEND pic.twitter.com/e91uguKMrP
— preeti (@bizzleslust) August 29, 2020