Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman dies of cancer

Actor Chadwick Boseman, 43 years old, played Black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe, died after a four-year fight with cancer.

Photo credit: philstar.com

A statement confirming the news has been posted on his official Twitter account.

Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago, his family said in a statement, which was posted on Bosewick's Instagram Friday.

Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV, 

A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotheraphy,

It was the honor of his career to bring King T'Challa to life in Black Panther,

The family thanks everyone for the love and prayers, and asks to continue respecting their privacy during this difficult time. ⁣

Boseman died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side, his publicist Nicki Fioravante told the Associated Press in a statement.

Boseman, born in South Carolinia, graduated from Howard University and had small roles in television before his first star turn in 2013. His striking portrayal of the stoic baseball star Robinson opposite Harrison Ford in 2013′s “42” drew attention in Hollywood.

His T’Challa character was first introduced to the blockbuster Marvel movies in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, and his Wakanda Forever salute reverberated around the world after the release of Black Panther two years ago.

The character was last seen standing silently dressed in a black suit at Tony Stark’s funeral in last year’s Avengers: Endgame.

Fans of the actor posted condolences all over social media immediately after the news was reported.