“Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman has passed away after a 4-year battle with colon cancer. He was only 43 years old. His family, whom he was surrounded by at the time of his death, tweeted the devastating news that sent shock waves around the world.

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— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020

Boseman, a native South Carolinian and Howard University graduate, was best known for his historical portrayals such as his breakout role as Jackie Robinson in “42” (2013), James Brown in “Get On Up” (2014) and Thurgood Marshall in “Marshall” (2017). But he would book an influential role of a lifetime as T’Challa in Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” which broke a number of records including the top-grossing superhero film of all time in the US.  He most recently appeared in Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods,” and will star in George C. Wolfe’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” alongside Viola Davis.

Celebrities took to social media to mourn the loss of the fallen actor, including Kerry Washington, Whoopi Goldberg, Jared Leto, Joe Biden, Boseman’s “Black Panther” co-star Angela Bassett, and “Avengers Endgame” co-stars, Mark Ruffalo and Chris Evans.

 

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“It was meant to be for Chadwick and me to be connected, for us to be family. But what many don’t know is our story began long before his historic turn as Black Panther. During the premiere party for Black Panther, Chadwick reminded me of something. He whispered that when I received my honorary degree from Howard University, his alma mater, he was the student assigned to escort me that day. And here we were, years later as friends and colleagues, enjoying the most glorious night ever! We’d spent weeks prepping, working, sitting next to each other every morning in makeup chairs, preparing for the day together as mother and son. I am honored that we enjoyed that full circle experience. This young man’s dedication was awe-inspiring, his smile contagious, his talent unreal. So I pay tribute to a beautiful spirit, a consummate artist, a soulful brother…”thou aren’t not dead but flown afar…”. All you possessed, Chadwick, you freely gave. Rest now, sweet prince.” #WakandaForever

A post shared by Angela Bassett (@im.angelabassett) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:43pm PDT

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.

— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 29, 2020

1 of my all time favorite people on the planet Chadwick Boseman has passed away after a 4 years of fighting cancer. An wonderful actor & a truly nice man. R.IP. condolences to his family

— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) August 29, 2020

A warrior of light til the very end. A true king. I am without words. May he rise in power. https://t.co/50nfbvZpAq

— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) August 29, 2020

 

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F*ck this yr. He was battling stage four cancer while being our superhero. And to think people made fun of him for the weight loss. The tongue is a powerful weapon. Be wise in how you use it. Hoping he never doubted his royalty. Praying for his family. Long live the king. #ripChadwick.

A post shared by Jurnee Smollett (@jurneesmollett) on Aug 28, 2020 at 7:59pm PDT

#chadwickboseman has died. What a shock; he was so young, but he made an indelible on all of us. My sympathies to his family, friends and fans, who loved him beyond measure. Rest In Peace.

— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) August 29, 2020

This is a crushing blow.

— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) August 29, 2020

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

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

 

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Thank you my friend. Thank you. 🙏🏾

A post shared by Will Packer (@willpowerpacker) on Aug 28, 2020 at 7:58pm PDT

God of our silent tears! A brillant & talented actor, gone to soon. @chadwickboseman you leave this earth w/a beautiful body of work. When you graced our screens you brought the dignity & grace we could all be proud of. My prayers are with your loving family. RIP my dear son CTD

— Cicely Tyson (@IAmCicelyTyson) August 29, 2020

Heartbreaking. A true talent and a class act. Rest In Peace @chadwickboseman 🌅🌅🌅 https://t.co/iGvpTPMlQ4

— JARED LETO (@JaredLeto) August 29, 2020

So stunned. Honored to have worked with @chadwickboseman early on. Truly an amazing man. God bless his wife and family in this difficult time. Rest In Peace, brother.🙏🏾❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZOtnVMd9Qg

— terry crews (@terrycrews) August 29, 2020

 

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Gutted at the loss of you. We needed you now more than ever. I loved you, man. We all did. You will be missed. Our little black boys lost a superhero today. Black Panther has wings now. We all gained an angel. This man made sure our heroes would live on forever. Heroes like: Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and James Brown. You loved us. Let’s love on each other y’all.

A post shared by Lena Waithe (@lenawaithe) on Aug 28, 2020 at 7:24pm PDT

As we are deeply saddened by Chadwick’s passing, we’re sending love and light to his family, friends, and fans. May his legacy live on in the hearts of all. #WakandaForever