Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman has died at the age of 43. The actor passed away following a battle with colon cancer for four years, he did not reveal his diagnosis to the public.
Boseman passed away at his home in Los Angeles with his wife and family by his side, his publicist said.
The actor made his breakthrough playing Jackie Robinson and James Brown in his early career before finding fame as T'Challa in Marvel's Black Panther.
In a statement, his family said: "It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman. Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and battled with it these last four 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 chemotherapy. It was the honour of his career to bring King TChalla to life in Black Panther."
As the character in the MCU, Black Panther was introduced in 2016's Captain America: Civil War, and his Wakanda Forever salute became famous after the release of Black Panther.
Black Panther - the first major studio superhero movie featuring a predominantly African-American cast - became the ninth highest-grossing film of all time.
He reprised the role in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, while a sequel to Black Panther was scheduled for release in 2022.
Earlier this year, he appeared in the Spike Lee film Da 5 Bloods, and Boseman also played the lead role in 21 Bridges.
Angela Basset, who played his mother in Black Panther, said: "It was meant to be for Chadwick and me to be connected, for us to be family. 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."
Mark Ruffalo, who plays Bruce Banner/The Hulk, in the MCU said: "All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of Chadwick Boseman. 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."
May he rest in peace.
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020
