Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther costar Letitia Wright recites vibrant poem she penned in his memory

Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther co-star Letitia Wright took to social media to recite a vibrant poem she penned in his memory following his tragic death from colon cancer at 43. Wright narrated the moving piece of poetry amid a montage of images related to nature as well as shots of them together. Wright talked about her mourning since getting the unexpected news, as she reached out to him during his health battle, which was not made public.

Wright wished she got to say goodbye. Following the announcement of Boseman’s death, Wright wrote on social media, “This hurts, really hurts.” Boseman, also known for his work in movies like “42”, “Marshall”, “Get On Up”, and “Draft Day”, was diagnosed with stage three cancer in 2016, and underwent countless surgeries and chemotherapy in his battle with the disease.

A true fighter, Boseman persevered through it all, and brought fans many of the films they have come to love so much. It was the honor of Boseman’s career to bring King T’Challa to life in “Black Panther”. The director of Boseman’s most successful film has penned an emotional tribute to him. Ryan Coogler wrote a lengthy statement about Boseman who played T’Challa in the mega successful Marvel film “Black Panther”.

Chadwick Boseman played multiple roles, but was most beloved for playing the superhero “Black Panther”, who was also king of the fictitious African nation Wakanda.

Boseman was calm, assured, constantly studying, but also kind, comforting, had the warmest laugh in the world, and eyes that seen much beyond his years, but could still sparkle like a child seeing something for the first time. Boseman was a special person. Boseman deeply valued his privacy, he was living with his illness the entire time. Because Boseman was a caretaker, a leader, and a man of faith, dignity, and pride, he shielded everyone from his suffering.

Boseman lived a beautiful life, and he made great art. Day after day, year after year. That was who Boseman was, he was an epic firework display. Boseman died at home with his wife and family. In August 2019, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and “Black Panther” director Coogler announced that “Black Panther 2” would be released in May 2022. Boseman had not publicly disclosed his battle with cancer.

The governor of South Carolina, where Boseman was born, ordered the Statehouse flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor the life, contributions, and memory of a truly extraordinary son of South Carolina. Boseman graduated from Howard University and starred in various television shows in the early 2000s before getting the star role as Jackie Robinson, the first Black person to play in Major League Baseball (MLB), in the 2013 film “42”. From there, Boseman went on to star as James Brown in the 2014 film “Get On Up”, Andre Davis in the 2019 film “21 Bridges”, and Stormin’ Norman in the 2020 film “Da 5 Bloods”.

Chadwick Boseman’s death came on the day MLB was celebrating Jackie Robinson Day, usually celebrated on April 15th.

MLB tweeted that Boseman’s transcendent performance in “42” will stand the test of time and serve as a powerful vehicle to tell Robinson’s story to audiences for generations to come. Fans and colleagues shared messages of grief online. Filmmaker Ava DuVernay posted a photo of the Wakanda ancestral plane from “Black Panther”. Marvel Studios tweeted a photo of Boseman dressed in the costume of his iconic role, and also tweeted out a series of photos of him from Marvel sets and with his fellow cast members.

Chris Evans, who starred in Marvel’s “Avengers” movies alongside Boseman, tweeted that he is absolutely devastated and that Boseman’s death is beyond heartbreaking. Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris tweeted a photo of her and Boseman, saying she is heartbroken. Boseman’s last tweet before his death was a photo of himself and Harris, encouraging people to vote.

Boseman left too early but his life made a difference. Each time Boseman stepped on set, he radiated charisma and joy, and each time he appeared on screen, he created something truly indelible. Boseman embodied a lot of amazing people in his work, and nobody was better at bringing great men to life. Boseman was as smart and kind and powerful and strong as any person he portrayed.

Chadwick Boseman 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 people to dream bigger and demand more than the status quo.

For Boseman’s friends and millions of fans, his absence from the screen is only eclipsed by his absence from their lives. By March 2018, “Black Panther” had become the 12th highest grossing movie of all time and the highest grossing movie of all time directed by a Black director. “Black Panther” was heralded for being one of the first mainstream, big budget superhero films to have a majority Black cast, with Boseman’s performance praised by critics.

Boseman was set to reprise his role as King T’Challa in the “Black Panther” sequel, due out in 2022.