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  4. Brie Larson, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, and more Marvel stars pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman

Brie Larson, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, and more Marvel stars pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman

Kirsten Acuna   

Brie Larson, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, and more Marvel stars pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman
  • Chadwick Boseman died Friday at the age of 43.
  • Boseman was battling colon cancer since 2016 in private.
  • "Black Panther" and Marvel stars from Angela Bassett to Chris Hemsworth remember the actor as a kind, modest, and great man.

Actor Chadwick Boseman died Friday of cancer at the age of 43.

Boseman had quietly been battling colon cancer since 2016, according to a statement released on Twitter. The actor filmed many of his movies, including "Marshall" to "Black Panther" and "Avengers: Endgame" during and between surgery and chemotherapy.

"It was the honor of his career to bring King T'Challa to life in Black Panther," reads the statement on his official Twitter account.

Disney and Boseman's Marvel family responded to the news with shock, grief, and stories of the actor's geuine spirit, modesty, and lasting impact.

Boseman's "Black Panther" cast members remember a modest man who they all loved.

Angela Bassett, who played Boseman's mother in "Black Panther," said they were meant to be connected.

During the film's premiere party, he told Bassett they actually met years before making the film.

"He whispered that when I received my honorary degree from Howard University, his alma mater, he was the student assigned to escort me that day," wrote Bassett on Instagram. "Here we were, years later as friends and colleagues, enjoying the most glorious night ever!"

"I pay tribute to a beautiful spirit, a consummate artist, a soulful brother..."thou aren't not dead but flown afar...". All you possessed, Chadwick, you freely gave. Rest now, sweet prince," Bassett added.

“It was meant to be for Chadwick and me to be connected, for us to be family. But what many don’t know is our story began long before his historic turn as Black Panther. During the premiere party for Black Panther, Chadwick reminded me of something. He whispered that when I received my honorary degree from Howard University, his alma mater, he was the student assigned to escort me that day. And here we were, years later as friends and colleagues, enjoying the most glorious night ever! We’d spent weeks prepping, working, sitting next to each other every morning in makeup chairs, preparing for the day together as mother and son. I am honored that we enjoyed that full circle experience. 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...”thou aren’t not dead but flown afar...”. All you possessed, Chadwick, you freely gave. Rest now, sweet prince.” #WakandaForever

A post shared by Angela Bassett (@im.angelabassett) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:43pm PDT

"This Is Us" star Sterling K. Brown, who played Boseman's young father, was beyond words.

"Your light brightened our days. It will continue to brighten our hearts and minds," wrote Forest Whitaker. "Let the heavens be blessed as you illuminate the sky.

The Oscar winner played T'Challa's mentor, Zuri.

Letitia Wright was cast as T'Challa's bright, younger sister, Shuri.

Marvel Studios' president Kevin Feige said "nobody was better at bringing great men to life."

In a statement via the Walt Disney Company, Feige called Boseman's death "absolutely devastating."

Feige introduced fans to Boseman in October 2014 during a Marvel event in Los Angeles, California. Boseman first appeared as Black Panther in 2016's "Captain America: Civil War."

Here's Feige's full statement:

"Chadwick's passing is absolutely devastating. He was our T'Challa, our Black Panther, and our dear friend. Each time he stepped on set, he radiated charisma and joy, and each time he appeared on screen, he created something truly indelible. He embodied a lot of amazing people in his work, and nobody was better at bringing great men to life. He was as smart and kind and powerful and strong as any person he portrayed. Now he takes his place alongside them as an icon for the ages. The Marvel Studios family deeply mourns his loss, and we are grieving tonight with his family."

Disney executive chairman Bob Iger remembered Boseman as "one of the most gentle and giving souls." He previously said "Black Panther" was the film he was most proud of during his tenure as CEO.

"He brought enormous strength, dignity and depth to his groundbreaking role of Black Panther; shattering myths and stereotypes, becoming a long-awaited hero to millions around the world, and inspiring us all to dream bigger and demand more than the status quo," Iger said in a statement from Disney.

"We mourn all that he was, as well as everything he was destined to become," Iger added. " For his friends and millions of fans, his absence from the screen is only eclipsed by his absence from our lives. All of us at Disney send our prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family."

In his 2019 memoir, "The Ride of a Lifetime," Iger said out of every movie the company made during his tenure as Disney CEO, he was most proud of "Black Panther."

Iger detailed how he received some pushback from Marvel executives in New York to originally produce the film. They were concerned a "black-led superhero movie couldn't perform at the box office."

"Black Panther" grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide.

Chris Evans and Mark Ruffalo lead an outpouring of tributes and condolences from Boseman's extended Marvel family.

Captain America actor, Chris Evans, said he was "absolutely devastated" by the news.

"This is beyond heartbreaking," wrote Evans on Twitter. "Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I'm endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King."

Evans shared two photos of the stars together.

Mark Ruffalo, who plays the Hulk/Bruce Banner, called Boseman "one of the all time greats."

Thor actor, Chris Hemsworth, remembers him as one of the "most genuine" people he's met.

Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) shared a short, silent video of the two happy and laughing. He called him a hero.

"Mr. Boseman leveled the playing field while fighting for his life... That's heroism..." wrote Downey Jr.

Jeremy Renner, who played Hawkeye/Clint Barton, said he was "deeply heartboken."

Hawkeye and Black Panther shared a memorable moment in "Endgame" that called back to their first meeting in 2016's "Captain America: Civil War." When the two first met, T'Challa acted like he didn't care to learn Clint's first name.

After not seeing Hawkeye for five years, T'Challa called the character by name, acknowledging that he was paying attention at the time.

"Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, gentle and princely, and the world is a poorer place without him," tweeted Paul Bettany, who play Vision in the MCU.

Samuel L. Jackson, who rounded up the Avengers as Nick Fury, thanked Boseman for the body of work he provided.

One of the villains of "Captain America: Civil War," Frank Grillo, shared a photo of Boseman from the 2018 Met Gala.

Rest In Peace brother. A wonderful human being taken too soon. Thank you for the legacy you leave behind. #chadwickboseman #king

A post shared by Frank Grillo (@frankgrillo1) on Aug 28, 2020 at 9:28pm PDT

The Russo brothers, who directed Boseman in three Marvel movies, shared behind-the-scenes photos of the actor.

Anthony and Joe Russo directed Boseman in "Captain America: Civil War," "Avengers: Infinity War," and "Avengers: Endgame." The brothers shared two set images of Boseman.

"He inspired an entire generation to stand up and be king. Honor him by emulating him-show kindness and love to others," wrote the Russos. "Share your talents in ways that impact. Always strive to be a light in the darkness.

Spider-Man actor, Tom Holland, called Boseman a role model.

"Chadwick, you were even more of a hero off screen than on. A role model not only to me on set, but to millions of others around the world," wrote Holland on Instagram.

He shared a photo of Boseman visiting a child in a hospital.

Don Cheadle, who plays War Machine, shared a birthday with Boseman.

He said he'll miss his "birthday brother" who was "always light and love" to him.

"Guardians of the Galaxy" actress Zoe Saldana said she'll tell her sons about Boseman forever.

"My heart is so heavy right now," Saldana wrote in an Instagram post. "Your passing has hit me hard. I will tell my sons about you forever. You were one of the classiest men I have ever met in my life."

Saldana has played Gamora in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The two both appeared in a big battle sequence of "Avengers: Endgame."

"Guardians" costar, Chris Pratt, who plays Star Lord, shared a prayer.

My prayers go out to Chadwick’s family and loved ones. The world will miss his tremendous talent. God rest his soul. #wakandaforever

A post shared by chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:25pm PDT

Drax actor, Dave Baustista, tweeted, "#WakandaForever." The "Black Panther" phrase was shared by many fans to commemorate Boseman.

Captain Marvel actress Brie Larson recounted Boseman's spirit and power.

"Chadwick was someone who radiated power and peace," wrote Larson in a note attached to a tweet. "Who stood for so much more than himself. Who took the time to really see how you were doing and gave words of encouragement when you felt unsure."

Simu Liu said he wouldn't have a chance to play Marvel's Shang-Chi without Boseman's Black Panther.

"Without Chadwick, and what he gave to his character, there is no Shang Chi. Period," wrote Liu.

Liu will play the Asian superhero in the upcoming "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."

Marvel directors from Taika Waititi to Scott Derrickson have also paid tribute.

"Thor: Ragnarok" director Taika Waititi shared a Maori phrase, "Takoto mai rā e Āriki," which roughly translates to, "lie down, Lord."

"Doctor Strange" director Scott Derrickson said he was "crushed" by the news in a series of tweets. He recalled his reaction to the "Black Panther" cast announcement at 2016's San Diego Comic-Con.

In a string of tweets, "Guardians of the Galaxy" director James Gunn said he's had a hard time processing Chadwick's death knowing all of the work he did while he was fighting cancer.

Gunn pledged to help the charities and causes Chadwick cared about.

"Ant-Man" director Peyton Reed shared one word: "Heartbroken."

That's the sentiment across the extended Marvel family.

Clark Gregg is one of the few actors who appeared in the Marvel movies and ABC's "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." as Agent Coulson.

Ming-Na Wen starred as Agent Melinda May on the ABC series alongside Gregg.

Karen Gillan plays Nebula in the MCU.

A post shared by Karen Gillan (@karengillan) on Aug 28, 2020 at 9:30pm PDT

Josh Brolin, who played "Avengers: Endgame" villain, Thanos, said he was floored.

I am absolutely floored. Such an amazing, beautiful person. RIP Brother. @chadwickboseman

A post shared by Josh Brolin (@joshbrolin) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:39pm PDT

"His stamp of excellence will live on every time we watch him remind us of all they were and all we can be," tweeted Yvette Nicole Brown, who appeared in "Endgame" as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.

"Community" star Ken Jeong also appeared briefly in "Endgame" as a security guard.

Marvel Studios released a photo of Boseman as his Black Panther character with a reminder that he'll live on.

Marvel Studios released an image of Boseman as T'Challa, with a simple message.

"Our hearts a broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman's family," the statement reads.

Most important is the final line, which reads, "your legacy will live on forever."

Boseman was set to reprise his role as T'Challa in a "Black Panther" sequel in 2022.

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