Remembering Chadwick Boseman on His Birthday

It’s been over two months since the untimely and sudden passing of the great Chadwick Boseman on August 28, 2020, at the age of 43, following a four-year battle with colon cancer. Today, on what would have been his 44th birthday, we pay respects to our King.

The loss of the late Boseman and the legacy he leaves behind, especially for the Black and African American communities, is immeasurable. Throughout his career, Boseman highlighted the history and power of Black legends, such as Jackie Robinson, James Brown, and Thurgood Marshall, on screen and brought their voices and aspirations into hearts and homes everywhere.

In one of his most prolific roles, Chadwick Boseman introduced King T’Challa (Black Panther) and the nation of Wakanda to the world. The embodiment of compassion, dignity, grace, and excellence, Boseman’s courage and talent on- and off- the screen demonstrated that anyone could be a Super Hero.

The outpouring for Boseman from his collaborators, close friends, and the world was felt deeply and instantaneously. 

In the 2018 commencement address at Howard University, Boseman shared, “Purpose is the essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history. Your very existence is wrapped up in the things you are here to fulfill.”

Like the heroes he portrayed, his spirit lives on and we will continue to see his impact and legacy for many more generations to come, especially so for people of color.

In honor of his birthday today, Marvel Studios has updated the iconic Marvel Studios title ahead of Black Panther on Disney+ with a special presentation dedicated to Chadwick Boseman.

In addition, we are proud to share a collection of the tribute comic book covers that Marvel Comics released recently in the gallery below, as comic artists further immortalize the legacy of Chadwick Boseman with their iconic art.

Long live our King. May he rest in power.