Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman has died aged 43

Wil Jones

Actor Chadwick Boseman, best known for playing Marvel’s Black Panther, has died from colon cancer aged 43

The actor had been diagnosed with cancer four years ago, but had not made his diagnosis public and continued to act.

His death was confirmed on his social media.

He died at home in Los Angeles with his wife and family by his side, a statement on his Twitter account confirmed.

pic.twitter.com/aZ2JzDf5ai

— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020

“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” the statement read.

“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.”

Boseman most famous role was as Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He first played the character in Captain America Civil War, and reprised the role for his solo film, along with Avengers Infinity War and Avengers Endgame.

His breakthrough role came in 2013’s 42, where played Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in the modern era of Major League Baseball.

He also garnered acclaim for playing legendary soul singer James Brown in 2014’s Get On Up.

In 2019 he starred in the thriller 21 Bridges, produced by the Russo brothers. This year he had a memorable supporting role in Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods on Netflix, playing on his heroic image.

Tributes have begun to flow in for Boseman on social media.

“Chadwick was special. A true original,” said his Avengers co-star Chris Evans. “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.”

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

Such a brutal loss. RIP, Chadwick.

— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) August 29, 2020

#WakandaForever ? pic.twitter.com/5nWaRhcKwk

— Person,Woman, Dave Bautista,Camera,TV (@DaveBautista) August 29, 2020

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/YQMrEJy90x

— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) August 29, 2020