Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman dies of cancer at age 43

US actor Chadwick Boseman who portrayed King T’Challa in Black Panther has passed away at the age of 43. He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016 and kept the information out of the public.

The news of his demise left his co-stars, fans and film world in a shock. Boseman died at his home in Los Angeles with his family by his side.

His family released the following statement:

He came to prominence with his iconic roles of Jackie Robinson in 2013’s 42, and soul singer James Brown in 2014’s Get on Up. But his most prominent role was in Black Panther for which he will be remembered as a legend.

His role in Black Panther had a great cultural impact, with an icon for people of color. Black Panther was also a critically acclaimed movie and grossed about $1.3 billion.

About Black Panther, Boseman said last year that the film had changed what it means to be “young, gifted and black”. Black Panther also became the first superhero movie to be nominated for the best picture in oscars.

Earlier this year Chadwick Boseman had noticeably lost a lot of weight with some raising concern over his health. But his death comes as a sudden shock to everyone who knew him.

Tributes have been pouring in from fans and stars from the film industry.