American actor Chadwick Boseman has died at the age of 43 after a four year battle with colon cancer.
The South Carolina-born star passed away at his Los Angeles home last night, his family confirmed in a statement.
Posting to social media, Boseman's family revealed that he had in fact been diagnosed with the disease back in 2016 - choosing to keep the situation away from the public eye as he continued to make movies. They also revealed that Boseman had been surrounded by loved ones when he passed, writing:
"A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much," his family said in the statement.
"From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and several more - all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T'Challa to life in Black Panther."
Boseman, who worked on dozens of high profile hits as both an actor and producer rose to prominence for his performances as baseball legend Jackie Robinson in the 2013 biopic '42', as well as celebrated singer James Brown in 2016's 'Get On Up'. He won critical praise and recognition for both roles.
It was, however, for his performance in the 2018 Marvel mega-hit 'Black Panther' that Boseman will be best remembered. The film has come to be recognised as a seminal moment in modern cinema, not just for its critical praise and content, but for its largely black cast. Boseman's role as King T'Challa spanned several movies across the Marvel Cinematic Universe and prompted Boseman to say that Black Panther's impact had fundamentally changed what it meant to be "young, gifted and black".
The hashtag #WakandaForever has been trending as tribute pour in from around the world.
