A Tribute to Chadwick Boseman
By: Eleanor Alice Ring
Tags: Culture, Film, Chadwick Boseman, Obituary, Features

A Tribute to Chadwick Boseman

This year has cemented itself as one of the worst in living memory. Unfortunately, it appears it will only get worse before it gets better…

Chadwick Boseman has passed away at the age 43, after a four-year battle with Stage IV colon cancer. He was best known for his iconic performance as King T’Challa/Black Panther, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Having kept his illness private, this devastating news came as a shock to the general public. The unexpected loss of this beloved actor has hit many hard, especially when realising we’d only just begun to see what he was capable of.

Boseman’s breakthrough performances would shape his path to becoming an icon himself. He gained critical acclaim through his portrayals of legendary Black figures — Jackie Robinson in 42 (2013), James Brown in Get On Up (2014), and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall (2017). He breathed new life into these legendary figures and showed the diversity of his range in doing so. As the ‘Godfather of Soul’, he dominated the screen with his high-energy performance, capturing exactly what made Brown such a powerhouse. However, he was equally striking in his performance as Jackie Robinson, playing the revolutionary baseball player with quiet dignity and heroism. Boseman later stated that these roles prepared him for the lifetime role of Black Panther.

Boseman as Jackie Robinson in 42 (2013). Source: IMDb.

Boseman was known for his passion and commitment to storytelling. In preparation for Black Panther (2018), he embarked on research trips to South Africa alongside training in African martial arts and working with a dialect coach. The actor notably fought for T’Challa to have an African accent, keen to move away from Eurocentric ideas of what it meant to sound educated and regal.

The cultural impact of Black Panther cannot be understated. Finally, there was a Black superhero that children could look up to. It was a rarity to see an Afro-futuristic blockbuster dominating the box office, let alone one that celebrated Blackness with such pride. The sheer joy it brought to Black communities around the world is immeasurable. It was even more wondrous that Chadwick Boseman himself emulated the best qualities of the fictional T’Challa, demonstrating himself to be a natural fit to play royalty as he became an international star.

Boseman as T’Challa in BLACK PANTHER (2018). Source: TMDB.

In a world that seeks to constantly tear down Black men, Chadwick Boseman represented the best of Black masculinity. He carried himself with dignity and grace as he became an icon, never losing himself to ego or fame yet always taking pride in his incredible accomplishments. He was cool and charismatic without being intimidating, displaying charm and wit in his many public appearances.

Boseman was a multi-faceted artist, writing plays as early as his high school days and teaching acting in Harlem whilst appearing in guest television roles. He would later produce as well as star in action thriller 21 Bridges (2019) before delivering a poignant turn in Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods (2020). In addition to this, he had multiple projects in the works, including the upcoming adaptation of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) and Barry Jenkins’ Expatriate.

The cast of Spike Lee’s DA 5 BLOODS (2020). Source: IMDb.

Now put into the context of his illness, Boseman’s work ethic and aspirations are even more astounding. That he was battling Stage IV cancer during the most intense period of his career is a testament to his strength and ambition. He really was a superhero in this regard. Enduring that much pain and exhaustion whilst consistently delivering as one of America’s most bankable stars… it cannot be put into words.

It’s heartbreaking to know that we’ll never see more of what he had to offer. Chadwick Boseman’s contribution wasn’t only through his tragically short career but what he came to represent for so many. The level of decency, perseverance, and creativity he possessed is a rare combination that we don’t see enough of.

One of the gifts of cinema is that those who grace the silver screen are never really gone. It may be hard for a long time to come but Chadwick Boseman should be remembered for what he gave us. He changed what it meant to be “young, gifted and Black” and, through his tireless work, he helped pave the way for future Black talent to thrive. He will always live on through his performances: even cut short, what a legacy to leave behind.

Header image: Chadwick Boseman at an event for Black Panther. Source: IMDb.