BERNAMA
29/08/2020 05:07 PM
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 -- It was a sombre day for superheroes fans everywhere as they mourn the demise of Chadwick Boseman, who was famous for his role as King T’Challa or Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film series.
The 43-year-old actor died of colon cancer, his family said in a statement on Boseman’s official Twitter account.
“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman.
“He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side,” it said.
The family said Boseman was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer in 2016 and had been battling it the past four years before it developed to stage four.
Describing Boseman as a true fighter, his family said he persevered through it all as he managed to hide his cancer battle from the public and continued filming despite countless surgeries and chemotherapy sessions.
Boseman's charismatic and regal portrayal of the Black Panther character in four films -- Black Panther, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: End Game -- not only delighted many fans but were also groundbreaking.
The Oscar-winning Black Panther, released in 2018, collected US$1.3 billion (about RM5.4 billion) worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film by a Black director and a top 10 highest-grossing film of all time.
He also starred in “Marshall”, “Da 5 Bloods” and “Get on Up”, while his final on-screen role, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, is currently in post-production.
Many netizens said his “Wakanda Forever” salute depicted his spirit in fighting against his illness and thus inspiring people from all walks of life.
A Twitter user known as @aayushagrawal06 said, “The way Chadwick Boseman kept on working and inspiring people throughout his fight against cancer shows us that he truly is a king. Rest in power. #WakandaForever”.
-- BERNAMA
