Chadwick Boseman’s death reverberates across entertainment, sports

Chadwick Boseman, who became an iconic symbol as T’Challa in “Black Panther” and as Jackie Robinson in “42,” died at the age of 43 on Friday.

The actor had been battling colon cancer for nearly four years, and his death came as a shock to the entertainment and sports world.

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

Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman’s family. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/YQMrEJy90x

— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) August 29, 2020

Fellow actors were stunned at the sudden loss of one of their own.

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! 💛💛💛 pic.twitter.com/6abglPBOsh

— Viola Davis (@violadavis) August 29, 2020

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

His family posted on Facebook that the actor was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer in 2016 and that he had undergone “countless surgeries and chemotherapy.”

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

“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” his family said in a statement. “From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more - all 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.”

Crushing news. Just brutal. He was a gift. RT @chadwickboseman: pic.twitter.com/q7yLAIoQRB pic.twitter.com/EKgxoMiPnL

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 29, 2020

We are devastated by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman. His transcendent performance in “42” will stand the test of time and serve as a powerful vehicle to tell Jackie’s story to audiences for generations to come. pic.twitter.com/8oU7QpdLSE

— MLB (@MLB) August 29, 2020

His death was also felt in the political world.

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

The stories Chadwick Boseman told through his art were always stories of integrity, perseverance, and triumph.

Thank you, Chadwick, for inspiring and uplifting us, for celebrating us, and for helping us see the hero in ourselves. Rest in power. Wakanda Forever. https://t.co/M0uay3r93s

— Eric Holder (@EricHolder) August 29, 2020

In 2013, Chadwick Boseman participated in a discussion at the White House on the movie "42" and answered questions about portraying Jackie Robinson. RIP.

Full video here: https://t.co/4WVB3xl2Nv pic.twitter.com/jTFq8rBeFz

— CSPAN (@cspan) August 29, 2020

Despite being sick himself, Boseman took time to visit children at St. Jude’s to put a smile on their faces.

It’s not every day that St. Jude gets a visit from an Avenger! Thank you @ChadwickBoseman for stopping by to bring joy to our patients and learn more about our lifesaving mission! ❤ 🎉 pic.twitter.com/7RwPO7qgPD

— St. Jude (@StJude) September 12, 2018

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