‘Rest now, sweet prince’: Peers react to Boseman’s death
Many expressed grief and gratitude after the loss of actor Chadwick Boseman, who died late Friday at 43 after a four-year battle with colon cancer. Here are some of their reactions:
“He was a gentle soul and a brilliant artist, who will stay with us for eternity through his iconic performances over his short yet illustrious career. God bless Chadwick Boseman.” — Denzel Washington, via a statement
“Chadwick ... no words to express my devastation of losing you. Your talent, your spirit, your heart, your authenticity..It was an honor working beside you, getting to know you. Rest well, prince. May flights of angels sing thee to thy heavenly rest. I love you!” — Viola Davis, co-star in “Get on Up” and the upcoming adaptation of August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” via Instagram
“During the premiere party for Black Panther, Chadwick reminded me of something. He whispered that when I received my honorary degree from Howard University, his alma mater, he was the student assigned to escort me that day. And here we were, years later as friends and colleagues, enjoying the most glorious night ever! We’d spent weeks prepping, working, sitting next to each other every morning in makeup chairs, preparing for the day together as mother and son. I am honored that we enjoyed that full circle experience. This young man’s dedication was awe-inspiring, his smile contagious, his talent unreal. So I pay tribute to a beautiful spirit, a consummate artist, a soulful brother... ‘thou aren’t not dead but flown afar...’. All you possessed, Chadwick, you freely gave. Rest now, sweet prince.” — Angela Bassett, co-star in “Black Panther,” via Instagram
“I don’t have words. Rest In Peace, Bruh. Thank you for all you did while you were here. Thank you for being a friend. You are loved. You will be missed.” — Sterling K. Brown, “Black Panther” co-star
“I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking. Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King.” — Chris Evans, who played Captain America in multiple Marvel films, via Twitter
“Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference.” — Kamala Harris, on Twitter. Harris and Boseman were both graduates of Howard University, and his final tweet celebrated her selection as Joe Biden’s running mate.
“The true power of @ChadwickBoseman was bigger than anything we saw on screen. From the Black Panther to Jackie Robinson, he inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even super heroes.” — Joe Biden, via Twitter
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman. His transcendent performance in ‘42’ will stand the test of time and serve as a powerful vehicle to tell Jackie’s story to audiences for generations to come.” — Major League Baseball, via Twitter
“We’ve lost a great one. My heart is truly broken.” — Octavia Spencer on Instagram