Chadwick Boseman’s Fans Are Sharing Memories Of His Legendary Kindness
In the hours after the actor's passing, fans are remembering his knack for making everyone who came into his orbit feel special.
This afternoon, news broke that Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman had passed away after a four-year struggle with colon cancer. He was only 43.
Despite his many acclaimed roles — most notably his time as one of Marvel’s most important superheroes — there was the sense that Boseman was only getting started. His performance in this year’s Da 5 Bloods, a new masterpiece by Spike Lee, seemed like a fresh direction.
Playing a haunted soldier, Boseman exuded a new emotional intensity and honesty. There was already talk about Oscars, and guesses at what future roles might look like.
Now, in the hours since his passing, some of Boseman’s collaborators and admirers have taken to the internet to share their heartbreak.
In power
Eternally in power
— Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) 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/DyibBLoBxz
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) August 29, 2020
This is a crushing blow.
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) August 29, 2020
what a time on earth, RIP Chadwick Boseman
— FLYLO (@flyinglotus) August 29, 2020
RIP Chadwick Boseman.
This is so unbelievable, sending love & light to your family 🙏🏾💔— Khalid (@thegreatkhalid) August 29, 2020
The common thread between all these messages is the emphasis on Boseman’s decency and kindness. That kindness has been on display for years, most notably in a public address he gave to Harvard Students in 2018 about the need to improve the world as you enter it.
Indeed, in the hours since his passing, a number of clips of Boseman lighting up the world of his fans have gone viral.
The most popular of them all? This clip, recorded as part of the Jimmy Fallon show back in 2018, in which Boseman surprises his fans by leaping out from behind a curtain while they talk about what Black Panther meant to them.
Rest in power, Chadwick Boseman.