Letitia Wright shares moving tribute to 'Black Panther' co-star Chadwick Boseman
Fans and friends are taking to social media to mourn the loss of "Black Panther" star Chadwick Boseman.
Boseman, who died Friday at age 43 after quietly battling colon cancer for four years, had portrayed Jackie Robinson, James Brown and Thurgood Marshall in his film career. But he's best known as "Black Panther" star T'Challa, Marvel's groundbreaking Black superhero.
On Tuesday, fellow "Avengers" actress Tilda Swinton appeared at the Venice Film Festival sporting a tan trench coat and a face mask and somberly gave the Wakanda salute.
In a video posted to Instagram Tuesday, Boseman's co-star Letitia Wright delivered a moving tribute.
"for my brother," she captioned the post with dove emojis.
In the clip, which features shots of nature and soft music, she says, "It is written, there is nothing new under the sun. But the sun stood still that morning, refusing to shine. Dark clouds surrounding, confusion setting in. Tears flowing, rivers so deep. I didn't know this is what I was waking up to, my brother, an angel on earth, departed."
She continued, "A soul so beautiful, when you walked into a room, there was calm. You always moved with grace and ease. Every time I saw you, the world would be a better place."
On Monday, Boseman's "Da 5 Bloods" co-star Clarke Peters told "Good Morning Britain" that he regrets the first thoughts he had about the late actor.
"My wife asked what Chadwick was like, you know? And I was really excited to work with him. I said, 'Well, I think he's a little bit precious.' And she said, 'Why?' I said, 'Because he's surrounded by people who are fawning over him. He's got a Chinese practitioner who's massaging his back when he walks off set. He's got a makeup lady who's massaging his feet. His girlfriend is there holding his hand,' " he said. "And I'm thinking, 'Well, maybe the Black Panther thing went to his head.' "
"Hindsight teaches us a lot of things," he added.
The same day, Michael B. Jordan, who starred alongside Boseman in "Black Panther," paid an emotional tribute to his "big brother" and emphasized how he wished he "had more time."
Over the weekend, tributes poured in for Boseman. Reaction ranged from colleagues recalling what the actor was like in real life to fans commenting on the impact he had on their lives.
Read Michael B. Jordan's emotional tribute to 'big brother' Chadwick Boseman
Angela Bassett, his "Black Panther" co-star who played his mother, shared a tear-jerking tribute to her "sweet prince" on Instagram. The 62-year-old actress posted a photo of her and Boseman from the set of "Black Panther" and revealed they were meant to be "family" as their story started in 2000.
"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," she wrote.
"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."
Chadwick Boseman's most beloved moments off-screen:From his Howard University speech to 'Black Jeopardy!'
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View this post on InstagramA post shared by Angela Bassett (@im.angelabassett) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:43pm PDT
"Black Panther" director Ryan Coogler wrote a lengthy Twitter tribute to the late actor, remembering him as "an anomaly," a "special person" and a "kind, comforting" soul who "had the warmest laugh in the world."
"He lived a beautiful life. And he made great art. Day after day, year after year," wrote Coogler. "That was who he was. He was an epic firework display. I will tell stories about being there for some of the brilliant sparks till the end of my days. What an incredible mark he’s left for us."
Read all of Ryan Coogler's tribute:: To 'Black Panther' star Chadwick Boseman
"Black Panther" star Danai Gurira who plays Okoye, General of the Dora Milaje and the head of Wakandan special forces, paid tribute to Boseman's real life heroism on Twitter Sunday.
"My entire job as Okoye was to respect and protect a king. Honor his leadership. Chadwick made that job profoundly easy. He was the epitome of kindness, elegance, diligence and grace. On many an occasion I would think how thankful I was that he was the leading man I was working closely with," Gurira said in her tribute. "A true class act. And so perfectly equipped to take on the responsibility of leading the franchise that changed everything for Black representation."
"I can't even wrap my mind around this loss," she wrote. " A loss resonating in my own heart as well as around the globe. The children he inspired, my heart aches for them, to lose their hero just as they finally found him. I am so thankful to have taken the Black Panther journey with him. To have known him, spent time in his light and leadership and to call him forever a friend."
Gurira concluded her post with a Zulu phrase. "Lala Ngoxolo Kumkani," she wrote, which is translated to: "Sleep in peace, O king."
Chadwick Boseman's 5 greatest roles: From 'Black Panther' to 'Da 5 Bloods'
Here's what he meant to me: Chadwick Boseman's death gives me the courage to keep going
— Danai Gurira (@DanaiGurira) August 30, 2020
Here's what others famous fans are saying:
SAG-AFTRA Foundation president and actor Courtney B. Vance paid tribute to Boseman in his fireside chat series Monday.
"I’d like to start by acknowledging a bright light, one of our own, who transitioned on August 28,” Vance says in the video. “Mr. Chadwick Boseman represented the very best of what it means to be an actor, a man, and a strong, resilient, purposeful human being. Despite his battling colon cancer, he selflessly rose each and every day to fulfill his dream – his destiny – of being a part of our worldwide community.
He continued, "We salute and honor him for his eternal contributions to the annals of history. We will forever be grateful to him and his family for his gifts.”
Former President Barack Obama shared a photo to Instagram from Boseman's visit to the White House, noting the actor came to "work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson."
"You could tell right away that he was blessed. To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years," Obama wrote.
Former first lady Michelle Obama wrote in an Instagram post that “There’s a reason (Chadwick Boseman) could play Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and King T’Challa with such captivating depth and honesty. He, too, knew what it meant to truly persevere. He, too, knew that real strength starts inside. And he, too, belongs right there with them as a hero — for Black kids and for all of our kids.”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Michelle Obama (@michelleobama) on Aug 29, 2020 at 11:29am PDT
“Rest gently, King," Beyoncé wrote on her website.
Whoopi Goldberg remembered him as "1 of my all time favorite people on the planet" and a "wonderful actor & a truly nice man."
1 of my all time favorite people on the planet Chadwick Boseman has passed away after a 4 years of fighting cancer. An wonderful actor & a truly nice man. R.IP. condolences to his family
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) August 29, 2020
Oprah Winfrey tweeted, "What a gentle gifted SOUL. Showing us all that Greatness in between surgeries in chemo. The courage, the strength, the Power it takes to do that. This is what Dignity looks like."
What a gentle gifted SOUL. Showing us all that Greatness in between surgeries and chemo. The courage, the strength, the Power it takes to do that. This is what Dignity looks like. https://t.co/U3OOnJVS42
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) August 29, 2020
"May you have a beautiful return, King," filmmaker Ava DuVernay wrote. "We will miss you so."
May you have a beautiful return, King. We will miss you so. pic.twitter.com/jdip3RHoXb
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 29, 2020
Josh Gad took to Twitter with one of the last exchanges he shared with Boseman. "This was one of my final texts from the brilliant & once-in-lifetime talent,@chadwickboseman - take this in & celebrate life. He knew how precious every moment was. Tonight the Heavens received one of its most powerful angels."
Breaking my twitter silence to share some beauty. This was one of my final texts from the brilliant & once-in-lifetime talent, @chadwickboseman - take this in & celebrate life. He knew how precious every moment was. Tonight the Heavens received one of its most powerful angels. pic.twitter.com/Hj8Cb1IfZS
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) August 29, 2020
"Here’s to an incredible man with immeasurable talent, who leaned into life regardless of his personal battles," Halle Berry wrote, sharing a photo of Boseman. "You never truly know what the people around you might be going through – treat them with kindness and cherish every minute you have together."
Here’s to an incredible man with immeasurable talent, who leaned into life regardless of his personal battles. You never truly know what the people around you might be going through - treat them with kindness and cherish every minute you have together. RIP #ChadwickBoseman pic.twitter.com/NaNC5GKuut
— Halle Berry (@halleberry) August 29, 2020
"Truly a gentleman superstar on screen and in life," Gabrielle Union tweeted. "Pure excellence and class and grace."
Truly a gentleman superstar on screen and in life. Pure excellence and class and grace. https://t.co/yTCGrwZaJM
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) August 29, 2020
"This is a crushing blow," filmmaker Jordan Peele wrote.
This is a crushing blow.
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) August 29, 2020
"I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking," wrote "Captain America" star Chris Evans along with two photos. "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."
I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking.
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?? pic.twitter.com/oBERXlw66Z— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) August 29, 2020
Zoe Saldana, who plays Gamora in "Guardians of the Galaxy," wrote that she's going to have to tell her children "that T'Challa has passed." She asked, "What other king can I tell them about now?"
I’m gonna have to tell Cy, Bowie and Zen that T’Challa has passed. What other king can I tell them about now? pic.twitter.com/AFEFxJOFd5
— Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana) August 29, 2020
“Mr. Boseman leveled the playing field while fighting for his life ... That’s heroism. I’ll remember the good times, the laughter, and the way he changed the game," tweeted fellow Marvel star Robert Downey Jr., sharing a clip of himself laughing and hugging Boseman.
Mr. Boseman leveled the playing field while fighting for his life... That’s heroism. I’ll remember the good times, the laughter, and the way he changed the game... #chadwickforever @chadwickboseman pic.twitter.com/IFfCSmLrhR
— Robert Downey Jr (@RobertDowneyJr) August 29, 2020
"What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning," tweeted Hulk and co-star Mark Ruffalo. "It was the highest honor getting to work with you and getting to know you. What a generous and sincere human being."
All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman. 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.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 29, 2020
Marvel co-star Samuel L. Jackson thanked Boseman for all he gave: "A talented & giving artist & brother who will be sorely missed."
THANK YOU @chadwickboseman for all you gave us. We needed it & will always cherish it! A talented & giving artist & brother who will be sorely missed???? RIP
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) August 29, 2020
"The world will miss his tremendous talent," tweeted Chris Pratt, another of Boseman's Marvel co-stars.
“Chadwick was not only a deeply soulful and powerful actor, but he was such a kind, thoughtful, funny and gentle person," Scarlett Johansson, who co-starred with Boseman in three Marvel films, said in a statement to The Associated Press. "He brightened every ones day every time he walked into our hair and makeup trailer or on set with his beautiful smile.”
Dave Bautista, also a Marvel colleague, tweeted the hashtag #WakandaForever with a photo of himself in a Black Panther shirt.
#WakandaForever ?? pic.twitter.com/5nWaRhcKwk
— Person,Woman, Dave Bautista,Camera,TV (@DaveBautista) August 29, 2020
"A true king," Kerry Washington said about Boseman. "A warrior of light til the very end."
A warrior of light til the very end. A true king. I am without words. May he rise in power. https://t.co/50nfbvZpAq
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) August 29, 2020
"In power," wrote filmmaker Barry Jenkins. "Eternally in power."
In power
Eternally in power— Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) August 29, 2020
"A deeply gifted man is gone too soon," tweeted actor Mark Hamill (who has encouragingly patted Boseman's shoulder on TV). "His memory will blaze on fiercely ... from here to eternity."
Just when you thought 2020 couldn't get any worse...
A deeply gifted man is gone too soon. His memory will blaze on fiercely... from here to eternity.#ripChadwick https://t.co/CBVoNBpuII— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) August 29, 2020
Democratic presidential nominee and former Vice President Joe Biden tweeted that Boseman "inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even super heroes."
The true power of @ChadwickBoseman was bigger than anything we saw on screen. From the Black Panther to Jackie Robinson, he inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even super heroes. Jill and I are praying for his loved ones at this difficult time.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 29, 2020
Sen. Kamala Harris wrote that her friend Boseman was "brilliant, kind, learned, and humble." She continued, with a picture of the two of them: "He left too early but his life made a difference."
Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/C5xGkUi9oZ
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 29, 2020
Cedric The Entertainer posted, "Rest in Power brother Chad!!"
Rest in Power brother Chad!! Sooo sad!! ??????? https://t.co/PttWbt5Bwq
— CedricTheEntertainer (@CedEntertainer) August 29, 2020
Actress Danielle Brooks called Boseman an "inspiration" and "hero."
Chadwick Boseman was a hero to me. Seeing him rise out of SC and become so successful, bc of him I knew I would be able to as well. Such an inspiration. RIP. ??
— Danielle Brooks (@thedanieb) August 29, 2020
"Heartbreaking," actress Uzo Aduba tweeted.
Heartbreaking.
— Uzo Aduba (@UzoAduba) August 29, 2020
Ashton Kutcher thanked Boseman for "the gifts you gave to us while you were here."
??????thank you for the gifts you gave to us while you were here. https://t.co/fvgFMCz89v
— ashton kutcher (@aplusk) August 29, 2020
Ryan Reynolds tweeted, "Such a brutal loss."
Such a brutal loss. RIP, Chadwick.
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) August 29, 2020
Actress Melissa Fumero called Boseman one of her favorite actors. "This is crushingly sad," she wrote.
This is crushingly sad. He is one of my favorite actors. Lots of love to his family and may he Rest In Peace. https://t.co/1Ewj2qB1t2
— Melissa Fumero (@melissafumero) August 29, 2020
"Truly humbling and so sad," director Elizabeth Banks said.
This is heartbreaking. Truly humbling and so sad. Love and light to all those celebrating his life tonight. #RIP https://t.co/LupmsRbGeK
— Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) August 29, 2020
Journalist Jemele Hill remembered positive interactions with Boseman. "Incredibly sweet guy. So humble and unassuming. Just really praying for his family and love ones," she said.
Interacted with Chadwick several times. Incredibly sweet guy. So humble, and unassuming. Just really praying for his family and loved ones.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) August 29, 2020
Contributing: The Associated Press, Rasha Ali
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