‘Black Panther’ actor Chadwick Boseman dies aged 43

Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman has died at age 43 after a four-year battle with colon cancer 

The actor passed away at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side. They did not specify when he died. 

‘It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman. 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 family said. 

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

The family revealed many of Boseman’s films, including Marshall, Da 5 Bloods, and August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, 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,’ the statement said. ‘The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.’ 

Boseman is survived by his wife Taylor Simone Ledward and a parent and had no children, his publicist said. The actor had kept his diagnosis and much of his private life under wraps. 

He had been reported to be dating Ledward after the pair were spotted together on the red carpet at the 2019 SAG awards, but their marriage was not reported until his death. 

The couple was last seen together in February at the 69th NBA All-Star Game in Chicago.

Boseman had not spoken publicly about his cancer diagnosis, but had sparked concerns over health earlier this year after fans took note of his unusually thin appearance.  

Born in South Carolina, Boseman graduated from Howard University and had small roles in television before his first star turn in 2013. 

The actor had been known for playing real-life figures, including professional baseball player Jackie Robinson in 2013 biopic, 42, James Brown in 2014’s Get On Up, and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in 2017’s Marshall.

May His soul rest in peace.