Friends, family and fans gathered to honour the late Chadwick Boseman receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles.
Boseman's “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” costar Viola Davis, his “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler and Boseman’s widow Taylor Simone Ledward Boseman spoke during the emotional ceremony.
Davis says she has to believe that Chadwick is still alive, as she cannot use the word ‘gone’ or ‘death’ really when thinking about him.
The “Black Panther” actor died in 2020 at the age of 43 after a private battle with colon cancer.
Coogler, Boseman’s friend who directed him in the “Black Panther” Marvel film, asked for attendees’ understanding as he emotionally talked about the late star.
He says when he thinks of Boseman he think of three things: leadership, teaching and generosity, as Boseman was an incredible leader.”
Boseman’s wife said Chad, today we recognize a lifetime of artistry, recognize your skill and your devotion and we cement your legacy as a hero and icon.
She says Boseman lived with honor and walked in truth as she then invited her husband’s brothers, Derrick and Kevin Boseman, to help with the unveiling of the star.
In addition to portraying T’Challa in “Black Panther” and other Marvel movies as well as his Academy Award-nominated turn in Netflix’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” Boseman had a robust film and television career, and portrayed Thurgood Marshall, James Brown and Jackie Robinson on film before his untimely passing.
