February 25th, 2021

Chadwick Boseman (1976-2020) was an American actor and playwright who had achieved international stardom, critical acclaim, and a lasting legacy as a powerful hero before his untimely death in 2020 at the peak of his burgeoning career.

Chadwick was born and raised in South Carolina and started his career in Brooklyn in 2000. He rose to prominence as a playwright and stage actor in 2002, in 2003 was cast in his first television role, and in 2008, Chadwick moved to Los Angeles to further pursue his acting career. Boseman's breakthrough role came in 2013 in his portrayal of Jackie Robinson in 42. Chadwick worked diligently on his craft, working to replicate Robinson's mannerisms so much so that Robinson's widow, Rachel Robinson, commented that "Boseman's performance was like seeing her husband again." Although it was not his preference to follow up with another biopic so soon after 42, he took on a role as James Brown in "Get on Up," and with that, Chadwick started to heat up in the film circuit, becoming known as a young star who "could do it all and do it all with style."

Boseman perhaps reached peak stardom playing the lead iconic role in the Black Panther film, which opened to immense anticipation, and became one of the highest grossing films of all time. The role earned Boseman a spot on the 2018 Time 100 as one of the world's most influential people, which was well deserved as his powerful portrayals of African-American heroes had broken down barriers and inspired the world.

In 2020, Boseman was announced as part of the cast for the Da 5 Bloods, directed by Spike Lee, and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, directed by George C. Wolfe. He took these "bucket-list roles" for opportunities to work with Lee and with Ma Rainey producer Denzel Washington, and was widely critically acclaimed for both features. He has already received many nominations for the 2020 award circuit, and will likely be awarded many well-earned posthumous awards for his role in these features, breaking even more history.

Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016, which unfortunately progressed to stage IV in 2020. He never spoke publicly about his cancer diagnosis, and only a few family members were said to know he was battling the illness. During treatment, involving multiple surgeries and chemotherapy, he continued to work and completed production for several films, including Marshall, Da 5 Bloods, Ma Rainey, and others, which is a remarkable testament to his courage, will, strength, and talent. Boseman died at his home as a result of complications related to colon cancer on August 28, 2020, with his wife and family by his side.

I write today about Chadwick, who passed away at the all too young age of 43 at the peak of his career, and can't help but reflect on what he accomplished, and what more he could have done and shared with the world both personally and professionally if not taken to soon.Thank you for the wonderful memories Chadwick. Your influence & legacy as both an icon & a hero will forever live on.