Hollywood star Chad wick Boseman was a powerful actor, tremendous talent and role model to generations, said his Marvel Cinematic Universe collaborators Russo Brothers, Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson, among others.
Boseman, who attained global stardom as T’Challa aka superhero Black Panther in the MCU films such as Captain America: Civil War, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, died on Friday of colon cancer at his residence in Los Angeles with his wife and family by his side. He was 43.
Iron Man star Downey Jr called Boseman a hero who “levelled the playing field” with his inspiring and deep performances while fighting for his life. “That’s heroism. I’ll remember the good times, the laughter, and the way he changed the game…,” he wrote on Instagram.
Black Panther was a major hit for Disney-owned Marvel Studios, grossing over USD 1.3 billion in worldwide gross and becoming the first superhero film to be nominated for the best picture at Oscars.
Johansson, who plays Black Widow in MCU, said Boseman’s death is an “unimaginable loss”.
“Chadwick was not only a deeply soulful and powerful actor, but he was such a kind, thoughtful, funny and gentle person. He brightened everyone’s day every time he walked into our hair and makeup trailer or on set with his beautiful smile. My heart goes out to his wife and entire family for such an unimaginable loss,” he said.
Hannah Beachler, who won the best production design Oscar for Black Panther, remembered the actor as someone who always “uplifted” people and looked out for them.
Tom Holland, the current star of the Spider-Man franchise, on Instagram said Boseman was “even more of a hero off screen than on”.
Simu Liu, who is set to play first Asian lead in MCU’s upcoming Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, paid tributes to Boseman saying his “career rides on the coattails of a great man”. (IANS)
