Television

Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther Family Michael B. Jordan, Danai Gurira, Angela Bassett, and More Share Powerful Tributes

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Following Chadwick Boseman’s death of cancer at the age of 43, tributes are pouring in on social media from across Hollywood and the world. Some of the most poignant remembrances came from Boseman’s Marvel Cinematic Universe co-stars, who acted alongside him in the history-making Black Panther as well as blockbusters Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.

Angela Bassett, who played King T’Challa’s mother, Queen Ramonda, wrote about first meeting Boseman when she received her honorary degree from Howard University, and Boseman was the student assigned to escort her to the ceremony. “It was meant to be for Chadwick and me to be connected, for us to be family,” she wrote in a moving tribute on Instagram. “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 art not dead but flown afar…” All you possessed, Chadwick, you freely gave. Rest now, sweet prince.”

Danai Gurira, who played Okoye, one of T’Challa’s confidantes and the general of the Dora Milaje, shared her memories of Boseman, writing, “How do you honor a king?

“My entire job as Okoye was to respect and protect a king. Honor his leadership. Chadwick made that job profoundly easy. He was the epitome of kindness, elegance, diligence and grace,” she wrote in a statement on Twitter. “And so perfectly equipped to take on the responsibility of leading the franchise that changed everything for Black representation.”

Gurira continued, “He played great, iconic roles because he possessed inside himself that connection to greatness to be able to so richly bring them to life. He had a heroic spirit, and marched to the beat of his own drum; hence his excellence as an artist and the incredible courage and determination as he faced life’s challenges; while still guiding us all.”

It was a sentiment shared by Ryan Coogler, who directed Black Panther. In a powerful and emotional statement, Coogler described Boseman as “a caretaker, a leader, and a man of faith, dignity, and pride” who deeply valued his privacy and “shielded his collaborators from his suffering.” Coogler recalled Boseman’s many contributions to the film, including decisions about the language of Wakanda as well as its customs and rituals, all while aiming to make a Lord of the Rings or Star Wars for the African diaspora.

“In African cultures we often refer to loved ones that have passed on as ancestors. Sometimes you are genetically related. Sometimes you are not,” Coogler wrote. “I had the privilege of directing scenes of Chad’s character, T’Challa, communicating with the ancestors of Wakanda. We were in Atlanta, in an abandoned warehouse, with bluescreens, and massive movie lights, but Chad’s performance made it feel real. I think it was because from the time that I met him, the ancestors spoke through him. It’s no secret to me now how he was able to skillfully portray some of our most notable ones. I had no doubt that he would live on and continue to bless us with more. But it is with a heavy heart and a sense of deep gratitude to have ever been in his presence, that I have to reckon with the fact that Chad is an ancestor now. And I know that he will watch over us, until we meet again.”

Boseman’s Black Panther co-star longtime friend Michael B. Jordan also paid tribute to the late actor, penning a heartfelt post on Instagram. “I’ve been trying to find the words, but nothing comes close to how I feel. I’ve been reflecting on every moment, every conversation, every laugh, every disagreement, every hug…everything,” Jordan wrote. “One of the last times we spoke, you said we were forever linked, and now the truth of that means more to me than ever. Since nearly the beginning of my career, starting with All My Children when I was 16 years old you paved the way for me. You showed me how to be better, honor purpose, and create legacy. And whether you’ve known it or not…I’ve been watching, learning and constantly motivated by your greatness. I wish we had more time.”

Jordan added: “Everything you’ve given the world … the legends and heroes that you’ve shown us we are … will live on forever. But the thing that hurts the most is that I now understand how much of a legend and hero YOU are. Through it all, you never lost sight of what you loved most. You cared about your family, your friends, your craft, your spirit. You cared about the kids, the community, our culture and humanity. You cared about me. You are my big brother, but I never fully got a chance to tell you, or to truly give you your flowers while you were here… I’m more aware now than ever that time is short with people we love and admire. I’m gonna miss your honesty, your generosity, your sense of humor, and incredible gifts. I’ll miss the gift of sharing space with you in scenes. I’m dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did. With grace, courage, and no regrets. “Is this your king!?” Yes . he . is!  Rest In Power Brother.”

Many more of Boseman’s fellow MCU stars, including Sterling K. Brown, Winston Duke, Letitia Wright, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Don Cheadle, Brie Larson, Chris Hemsworth, and more familiar faces from the superhero franchise, shared moving tributes to Boseman, below:

Black Panther actor Michael B. Jordan, who played Killmonger: 

View this post on Instagram

I’ve been trying to find the words, but nothing comes close to how I feel. I’ve been reflecting on every moment, every conversation, every laugh, every disagreement, every hug…everything. I wish we had more time. One of the last times we spoke, you said we were forever linked , and now the truth of that means more to me than ever. Since nearly the beginning of my career, starting with All My Children when I was 16 years old you paved the way for me. You showed me how to be better, honor purpose, and create legacy. And whether you’ve known it or not…I’ve been watching, learning and constantly motivated by your greatness. I wish we had more time. Everything you’ve given the world … the legends and heroes that you’ve shown us we are … will live on forever. But the thing that hurts the most is that I now understand how much of a legend and hero YOU are. Through it all, you never lost sight of what you loved most. You cared about your family , your friends, your craft, your spirit. You cared about the kids, the community, our culture and humanity. You cared about me. You are my big brother, but I never fully got a chance to tell you, or to truly give you your flowers while you were here. I wish we had more time. I’m more aware now than ever that time is short with people we love and admire. I’m gonna miss your honesty, your generosity, your sense of humor, and incredible gifts. I’ll miss the gift of sharing space with you in scenes. I’m dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did. With grace, courage, and no regrets. “Is this your king!?” Yes . he . is! Rest In Power Brother.

A post shared by Michael B. Jordan (@michaelbjordan) on

Black Panther co-star Letitia Wright, who played T’Challa’s sister Shuri:

Black Panther actress Angela Bassett, who played T’Challa’s mother Queen Ramonda: 

View this post on Instagram

“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

Black Panther actress Danai Gurira, who played warrior Okoye:

Black Panther co-star Winston Duke:

Black Panther co-star Sterling K. Brown:

Black Panther director Ryan Coogler:

“In African cultures we often refer to loved ones that have passed on as ancestors. Sometimes you are genetically related. Sometimes you are not. I had the privilege of directing scenes of Chad’s character, T’Challa, communicating with the ancestors of Wakanda. We were in Atlanta, in an abandoned warehouse, with bluescreens, and massive movie lights, but Chad’s performance made it feel real. I think it was because from the time that I met him, the ancestors spoke through him. It’s no secret to me now how he was able to skillfully portray some of our most notable ones. I had no doubt that he would live on and continue to bless us with more. But it is with a heavy heart and a sense of deep gratitude to have ever been in his presence, that I have to reckon with the fact that Chad is an ancestor now. And I know that he will watch over us, until we meet again.” (Read Coogler’s full statement.)

Marvel boss Kevin Feige:

“He was our T’Challa, our Black Panther, and our dear friend. Each time he stepped on set, he radiated charisma and joy, and each time he appeared on screen, he created something truly indelible. He embodied a lot of amazing people in his work, and nobody was better at bringing great men to life. He was as smart and kind and powerful and strong as any person he portrayed. Now he takes his place alongside them as an icon for the ages. The Marvel Studios family deeply mourns his loss, and we are grieving tonight with his family.” 

Captain America star Chris Evans: 

Winter Soldier, Civil War, and Avengers: Infinity War/Endgame directors Joe and Anthony Russo: 

Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr:

Nick Fury actor Samuel L. Jackson: 

The Hulk actor Mark Ruffalo:

War Machine actor Don Cheadle:

Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt:

Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi:  

Thor actor Chris Hemsworth:

Guardians of the Galaxy actress Zoe Saldana:  

Hawkeye actor Jeremy Renner:  

Luke Cage actor Mike Colter:

Captain Marvel actress Brie Larson: 

Spider-Man actor Tom Holland: 

Vision actor Paul Bettany: 

Civil War actor Daniel Brühl: 

Bucky Barnes actor Sebastian Stan:

Guardians of the Galaxy actress Karen Gillan: 

Simu Liu, star of Marvel’s upcoming Shang-Chi film:

More on Chadwick Boseman’s celebrated film and TV career.

Additional reporting by Megan Vick and Kaitlin Thomas.

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