Hollywood Pays Tribute to Black Panther's Chadwick Boseman And His Immense Talent

The news of Chadwick Boseman's death at the age of 43 has shocked people around the world. Best known for playing the lead role in Black Panther, Boseman leaves behind an impressive legacy, which includes bringing an iconic Black superhero to life.

During his career, Boseman portrayed a number of important figures including Jackie Robinson in 42, James Brown in Get on Up, and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall. Following his cancer diagnosis, Boseman continued to work, and appeared in several Marvel movies, including Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. He headlined the 2019 movie 21 Bridges, and appeared in Spike Lee's Da 5 Bloods, which was released in 2020. Boseman also stars alongside Viola Davis in the forthcoming Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

Boseman's fellow superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have taken to social media to express their sadness following the actor's death. A plethora of celebrities have also celebrated Boseman's "courage," "strength," and "power." Here, Hollywood pays tribute to the legend.

DENZEL WASHINGTON

The Oscar-winning actor released a statement following Boseman's death, via People. "He was a gentle soul and a brilliant artist, who will stay with us for eternity through his iconic performances over his short yet illustrious career," Washington said. "God bless Chadwick Boseman."

Boseman previously revealed that Washington had actually paid for his acting lessons when he was a young actor, per People. When Washington received the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award in June 2019, Boseman took to the stage and said of his mentor, "Many of you already know the story that Mr. Washington, when asked by Phylicia Rashad to join her in assisting nine theater students from Howard University who had been accepted to a summer acting program at the British Academy of Dramatic Acting in Oxford, gracefully and privately agreed to contribute."

Related article: ‘Black Panther’ Star Chadwick Boseman Dies At 43

Boseman continued, "As fate would have it, I was one of the students that he paid for... Imagine receiving the letter that your tuition for that summer was paid for and that your benefactor was none other than the dopest actor on the planet." He memorably said, "There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington."

ISSA RAE

"Fell asleep crying. Woke up crying. I don’t know why this one hurts so badly. Maybe it’s because we lost a literal Black superhero. Maybe it’s because your grace, class, kindness and dignity is so rare. Maybe it’s because you had to suffer in silence for so long, while some speculated, cruelly. Maybe it’s because we didn’t need to see another Black man’s life cut short. Maybe it’s because your Denzel-anointed legacy had so much more to offer. Maybe it’s because you felt like ours with every role you chose to embody. Maybe it’s because God wanted your light a bit closer.

You will be so missed. Thank you for everything."

LETITIA WRIGHT

"this hurts. really hurts."

OPRAH WINFREY

"What a gentle gifted SOUL. Showing us all that Greatness in between surgeries and chemo. The courage, the strength, the Power it takes to do that. This is what Dignity looks like."

SAMUEL L. JACKSON

"THANK YOU @chadwickboseman for all you gave us. We needed it & will always cherish it! A talented & giving artist & brother who will be sorely missed RIP."

AVA DUVERNAY

"May you have a beautiful return, King. We will miss you so."

MARTIN LUTHER KING III

"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."

DON CHEADLE

"i will miss you, birthday brother. you were always light and love to me. my god ... forever and ever ..."

VIOLA DAVIS

"Chadwick.....no words to express my devastation of losing you. Your talent, your spirit, your heart, your authenticity........It was an honor working beside you, getting to know you....Rest well prince...May flights of angels sing thee to thy heavenly rest. I love you!"

BARACK OBAMA

"Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson. You could tell right away that he was blessed. To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years."

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BRIE LARSON

"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."

JOHN BOYEGA

MARK RUFFALO

"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."

KERRY WASHINGTON

"A warrior of light til the very end. A true king. I am without words. May he rise in power."

VERSACE

"The news of Chadwick passing has devastated us all. Like a true hero he fought his battle to the end and never stopped gifting us his incredible talent. He was a king in real life and on screen, the world will miss him dearly. RIP #ChadwickBoseman."

KAMALA HARRIS

"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."

BOB IGER

"We are all heartbroken by the tragic loss of #chadwickboseman -- an extraordinary talent, and one of the most gentle and giving souls I have ever met. He brought enormous strength, dignity and depth to his groundbreaking role of Black Panther; shattering myths and stereotypes, becoming a long-awaited hero to millions around the world, and inspiring us all to dream bigger and demand more than the status quo. We mourn all that he was, as well as everything he was destined to become."

CHRIS HEMSWORTH

"Gonna miss you mate. Absolutely heartbreaking. One of the kindest most genuine people I’ve met. Sending love and support to all the family xo RIP."

CHRIS EVANS

"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."

JOHN LEGEND

"I’m so shocked and heartbroken about Chadwick. He was such a bright light, such a gifted performer. He brought grace, elegance and power to everything he did. He always seemed to carry our ancestors with him. And now he joins them far too soon."

RUSSELL WILSON

"Wakanda Forever."

JORDAN PEELE

"This is a crushing blow."

GABRIELLE UNION

"Truly a gentleman superstar on screen and in life. Pure excellence and class and grace."

This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US.

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