Chadwick Boseman’s Avengers costars are mourning their friend after the shocking news of his death.
Boseman died on Friday at 43 after a four year battle with colon cancer, his family announced. The actor was the star of Black Panther, the 2018 movie that was celebrated for its epic portrayal of a Black superhero.
“It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther,” part of the statement on his Instagram read. “He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.”
As the world grappled with the news, tributes from his costars began pouring in on social media. Mark Ruffalo, who plays the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was one of the first to comment on Twitter.
“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,” Ruffalo, 52, wrote.
“I’m absolutely devastated,” Chris Evans, who played Captain America in the MCU, wrote on Twitter. “This is beyond heartbreaking. Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King💙.”
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Meanwhile, Boseman’s Black Panther costar (and his onscreen mother in the film) Angela Bassett paid tribute to him, writing 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.” Bassett, 62, continued. “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.”
