By Annum Shehryar
On 29th August 2020, official statements from American actor Chadwick Boseman’s social platforms had been released by his family, confirming the devastating and heartbreaking news on his death. Chadwick was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2016, he battled with it for 4 years as it progressed to stage 4. He passed away in his home in Los Angeles, with his wife and family by his side.
Chadwick has been well known for his groundbreaking and iconic role as Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He made his debut as the legendary superhero in 2016 in Captain America Civil War, the year he was diagnosed. After his diagnosis, he also appeared in many other great films such as Marshall, Da 5 Bloods, 21 Bridges, 2 more Avengers movies, and more. This performance was more than remarkable coming from an actor who made major Hollywood movies just two years before his big Marvel break and in light of the fact that Boseman pulled it off while secretly enduring several chemotherapy surgeries and rounds. He portrayed the character of the Black Panther with a sense of nobility, humility, and physicality that we cannot even imagine being replaced. This noble character was played by a Black disabled man. He gifted us with great wonders amidst his inner struggles.
In 2018 a cultural phenomenon, Black Panther, was released. Chadwick was cast for the main role of T’challa, King of Wakanda. This movie was praised as a cultural milestone for having a primarily Black cast. This movie did so well in representing Black people and their cultures and traditions. Black Panther is an inspiration to so many adults and young children as he was the first high profile Black superhero in Marvel. Chadwick brought this beloved hero to life and portrayed this character so beautifully. He had worked tirelessly to make sure this movie was successful despite him struggling due to his disability. He did it for the Black youth, he gave them a hero that represented their race. He promoted his films all around the globe while undergoing treatment as well. Imagine how difficult it would also be to get in shape for the character and maintaining it while having stage 3 cancer. Chadwick’s determination and passion for acting will always be remembered.
Chadwick had always kept his condition a secret. Only his close family knew about it. They respected his privacy and did not disclose any information relating his disability. He knew that if he were open about it, he would not have been able to play his roles in films. He suffered in silence throughout, just so that we could witness Black Panther and many other characters he played, come to life. Hollywood is extremely ableist and closes doors to the disabled. Performers usually have to hide their health statuses to prevent their work from drying up. Chadwick wanted to make the most of his life by impacting other’s lives in positive ways and by being a source of comfort and inspiration for many through his roles. Chadwick deserved to disclose his disability if he wanted to without the fear of being cast out for films. We should be living in a world where Black disabled people can be openly disabled and be able to perform. Their disabilities should not be a roadblock for them to achieve the things they want to achieve. We should also not romanticize him working through cancer, or treat his example as an inspiration in terms of “If he could work through cancer, then what is your excuse?”
A few months ago in 2020, Chadwick posted a video on his Instagram where he was speaking about an initiative called Operation 42, which aims to help hospitals that serve African-American communities during the COVID pandemic. People noticed his drastic change in weight. While people were expressing their concerns on why he lost so much weight, many had made insensitive comments on his appearance, made memes on it, and claimed that he was on drugs. Now we know that it was because he was dying of colon cancer. Chadwick noticed the comments and it led to the point where he had to delete the pictures and turn off comments on IG. This serves a lesson on how people should be mindful of their words and judgments. We never know what type of battles people are fighting. Chadwick had to go through so much criticism and its even more upsetting knowing that he could not disclose the real reason behind the weight loss.
Chadwick was really one of a kind who deserves so much respect and appreciation. He was deeply committed and a constantly curious artist. He was someone who radiated power and peace. He has helped many through donations and charity work despite being constantly ill. He has advocated for the Black community. He gave words of encouragement and was a man of immense talent. He remained humble, kind, and generous. He gave us a remarkable hero and so much more. May he rest in power.
Watch Marvel's tribute here:
(All references are hyperlinked)
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