Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman dead at 43

Hollywood actor Chadwick Boseman has died after being diagnosed with cancer.

Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman has died after a years-long battle with cancer, sparking an outpouring of tributes from civil rights activists to Hollywood heavyweights.

The 43-year-old died at home with his wife and family, after he was diagnosed with stage-three colon cancer in 2016.

An announcement was made on Boseman’s social media accounts confirming the actor’s death.

“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” an Instagram post read.

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

Boseman was well known for his role as King T’Challa in the Marvel blockbuster Black Panther – a job described as “the honour of his life”.

“He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side,” the post read.

“The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.

Boseman as Black Panther in the Marvel Avengers series.

The actor’s celebrity started to grow in 2016 when he first played the superhuman Black Panther in the Avengers series.

He went on to star in two more movies as the same character.

Other films Boseman acted in included Marshall, Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

According to the statement on his social media accounts, these movies were filmed “during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy”.

“Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV,” the post read.

Boseman portrayed some influential American figures in his film catalogue.

He starred as Thurgood Marshall in Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice and played Jackie Robinson – the first African American baseball player to join the Major Leagues since 1889 – in the 2013 film, 42.

Boseman also starred as the “godfather of soul” James Brown in Get on Up.

Hollywood heavyweights including directors and stars, civil rights activists, politicians, musicians and athletes alike took to social media to share tributes to the young actor.

Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris said she was “heartbroken” after Boseman posted a picture with her on his Instagram account on August 12.

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

“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.”

And Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden tweeted Boseman “inspired generations” who showed they could be “anything they want”.

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

Civil rights activist Martin Luther King III said Boseman “brought history to life on the silver screen, from Jackie Robinson, James Brown and Thurgood Marshall.”

“As Black Panther, he was also a superhero to many,” he tweeted.

“And despite his 4 year long battle with cancer, he kept fighting and he kept inspiring.”

Chadwick Boseman brought history to life on the silver screen, from Jackie Robinson, James Brown and Thurgood Marshall.

As Black Panther, he was also a superhero to many.

And despite his 4 year long battle with cancer, he kept fighting and he kept inspiring. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/f0Tc8ByaXj

— Martin Luther King III (@OfficialMLK3) August 29, 2020

Get Out director tweeted the news was a “crushing blow”.

This is a crushing blow.

— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) August 29, 2020

Chancelor Bennett known as Chance the Rapper said Boseman would be “painfully missed”.

“We love you so much. Thank you for being so kind,” he said.

Guardians of the Galaxy actor Zoe Saldana posted “my heart is heavy right now”.

“The classiest avenger and most quiet warrior.”

Jurassic Park star Chris Pratt said the news “devastating”.

“The world has lost an immeasurable talent and a great person,” he said on Instagram.