US actor, Chadwick Boseman, best known for playing Black Panther in the hit Marvel superhero franchise, is dead.
Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago and died at the age of 43 on Friday.
Born in South Carolina, Boseman graduated from Howard University, Washington DC and passed on at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side, his publicist Nicki Fioravante told The Associated Press news agency.
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much.
“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.”
Actor Dwayne Johnson wrote on his twitter handle, “Thank you for shining your light and sharing your talent with the world. My love and strength to your family.”
Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden tweeted that, Boseman “inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want – even super heroes”.
Captain America actor, Chris Evans called Boseman, “a true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create.”
Boseman’s Marvel co-star Mark Ruffalo tweeted: “Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya. Rest in power, King.”
Leading US civil rights organisation the NAACP praised Boseman for “showing us how to conquer adversity with grace” and “to walk as a King, without losing the common touch”.
