Born in South Carolina, where he played baseball, Chadwick Boseman went on to star as baseball player Jackie Robinson in 42 (2013), and Civil Rights Activist Thurgood Marshall in Marshall (2017). His impressive repertoire of roles garnered massive critical acclaim, and many critics saw him as a rising star in American cinema. With his role in the Avengers, he became a cultural icon, winning a prestigious award from the NAACP.
Boseman also devoted time and energy to humanitarian work, and in his final months showed his support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Outpourings of grief have come from across the world, with many of Boseman’s Avengers co-stars commenting on his passing. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris also both issued statements, as did many more.
He lived a life characterised by going above and beyond, and he continued in this train, leaving us with an upcoming film adaption of August Wilson’s play, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, and one last performance as T’Challa in the Marvel animated anthology series What If...?
In avoiding bringing his cancer to the attention of the press, Boseman managed to keep his final years his own, devoting himself to his trade, and establishing a legacy which will long outlast him. He is not only survived by his career, but also by his wife, Taylor Ledward. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and Boseman’s family at this difficult time.
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