Chadwick Boseman of 'Black Panther' Succumbs to Colon Cancer at 43

Chadwick Boseman, the actor who brought Marvel's Black Panther to life, has recently passed away at the age of 43 after a long and arduous battle with cancer.

The heartbreaking news was shared on the actor's official Instagram page, along with a black and white picture of Boseman displaying his sweet smile.

According to the post, the star was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer back in 2016, but the disease progressed to stage IV during the past four years.

A FIGHTER THROUGH AND THROUGH

It is known that Boseman drew his last breath at his home, surrounded by his loved ones, who have thanked everyone for their love and prayers and asked for their privacy to be respected.

Despite all the adversities and struggles, as well as countless surgeries and chemotherapy sessions, Boseman never stopped working and starred in films such as "Da 5 Bloods," "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" and "Marshall."

WHAT BLACK PANTHER MEANT TO HIM

However, his role as King T'Challa in "Black Panther" was his most famous one. He also played the heroic character in the movies "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Avengers: Endgame."

Tom Holland remembered Boseman as a hero off-screen and on

Back in 2018, Boseman opened up about "Black Panther" and the deep and emotional impact it had, not only on fans around the world but also on him.

During an EW SiriusXM Town Hall, the late 43-yea-old recalled how he met and interacted with two young fans who were also battling cancer and unfortunately passed away before the movie was released:

"Throughout our filming, I was communicating with them, knowing they were both terminal. What they and their parents said to me was, they were trying to hold on 'til this movie comes."

Boseman described the experience as "humbling" and explained that talking to those young boys reminded him of how excited he used to be before Christmas or before getting a new toy, that feeling of anticipation.

REMEMBERED AS A HERO

Following his passing, fellow actor and friend Tom Holland, who played the role of Spider-Man in the "Avengers" films, paid tribute to his late friend.

Holland remembered Boseman as a hero off-screen and on, as well as a role model not only for him but for millions of people around the world, adding that he was proud to call him a friend.