By: Tayhana Taylor, Contributing Writer
Actor, producer, and philanthropist, Chadwick Boseman died on Aug. 28, 2020 from a prolonged four-year battle with colon cancer.
Boseman was famous for his role in many movies, for example, “42,” “Get On Up,” and “Marshall.”. But his role as the starring superhero in the revolutionary, iconic, and world-renowned film, “Black Panther,” unified the world together. His death proved him as not only a fictional superhero but a real-life hero.
In the spotlight, Boseman was a hero, role-model, and emblem of strength to many; behind the scenes, he was fighting a detrimental illness few people knew about. He proved that there is heroism in suffering. Boseman’s death had a great impact on many people, especially African Americans.
Disneyland has paid tribute to Boseman by showcasing a mural in Downtown Disney, California. The mural was done by artist Nikkolas Smith. Source: @waltdisneyimagineering
“Whenever an actor or actress passes away, it really does affect their fans, but in my opinion, Chadwick Boseman’s death affected people who weren’t even his fans, he was a true legend,” said Alisa Jones, a freshman majoring in Business Management at Saint Leo University.
These comments depicted how much people valued Boseman.
“My Godbrother, who was 10 years old at the time Blank Panther was released, was saddened by the death because he felt as though his real-life hero had died,” Jones continued.
Boseman was a hero for people of all races, ages, and genders. He gave people something to believe, especially black children; they saw a person of their race play the leading superhero in a fictional movie, which is rare. Boseman created a new form of representation for black people on a worldwide platform.
Boseman as his role as T’Challa, aka Black Panther. The Marvel film “Black Panther” was released in 2018.
Source: (spuck.pop.com)
“I was really shocked when I got the notification from Apple News that Chadwick passed away from colon cancer; my jaw literally dropped,” said Ashley Tucker, a freshman majoring in Criminalistics at Saint Leo.
Tucker’s reaction to Boseman’s death was like many others, it was indeed a jaw-dropping moment.
Additionally, Tucker said, “I think Chadwick acting in Black Panther while he battled cancer displayed perseverance, strength, determination, and he showed his fans that you should always follow your heart because many people would have given up once they fell ill.”
Boseman received the NAACP’s award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his role in “Black Panther.”
Source: (Richard Shotwell, Heraldcourier.com)
Boseman’s castmates were also unaware that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
“It was very selfless of him to not mention to his castmates that he was ill.Perhaps he didn’t want to worry them, he just gave the movie his best because he knew the incredible impact it would have on the lives of many,” said Tucker.
Boseman’s death was very unfortunate as he was a living legend, he created history during his time of struggle. Chadwick Boseman will be forever remembered as a pillar in the black community and the string that held society together. One thing is evident, Boseman’s legacy will live on forever through his works and his fans.
