Chadwick Boseman posthumously honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame star
What's the story
Chadwick Boseman, the late actor celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, November 20. The emotional ceremony was led by his widow Simone Ledward-Boseman, Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, and actor Viola Davis. Boseman's Black Panther co-stars Michael B. Jordan and Letitia Wright were also in attendance. "Today was a beautiful day," Ledward-Boseman told AFP.
Tributes
Coogler and Davis paid tribute to Boseman's generosity
Coogler remembered Boseman as an "incredibly generous" person. He said, "Even when he knew his days were limited, and his moments were numbered, he still gave to the art form. He still threw himself into the fire." Davis, who worked with Boseman in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, said his work "reminded us that we are less alone."
Career highlights
Boseman's career and battle with cancer
Boseman, who began his career in theater and TV, rose to prominence in 2013 with his portrayal of baseball icon Jackie Robinson in 42. He became a global superstar for his portrayal of T'Challa/Black Panther in the MCU. The character made his first appearance in Captain America: Civil War (2016) before headlining a standalone film two years later. Boseman reprised the role in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
Health struggle
Boseman's private battle with colon cancer
Boseman passed away in 2020 at the age of 43 after a private four-year battle with colon cancer. Despite his illness, he kept it hidden from the public and continued working. Coogler recalled, "Even though he was going through what he was going through, he would do his own stunts, he would be there for off-camera dialogue readings. It was incredible."