Lupita Nyong'o shares heartbreaking tribute to Chadwick Boseman on sixth anniversary of his death
Somehow, six years have passed since the death of the great Chadwick Boseman.
Beloved around the world for his groundbreaking depiction of Marvel Comics superhero Black Panther on the big screen, Boseman lost his life aged just 43 to colon cancer.
It was only after the fact that his family publicly revealed a secret Stage 3 diagnosis - one that he'd been dealing with privately for four years inbetween major projects.
During that challenging period, he collaborated with director Spike Lee on Da 5 Bloods, Viola Davis on Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, and even hosted Saturday Night Live.
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As part of his role in Black Panther, Boseman became close with co-star Lupita Nyong'o, and now she has paid an emotional tribute to the actor on the sixth anniversary of his death.
On Instagram, the 43-year-old said: "Hold on to those you love who love you back. Tell them you love them. Show them you love them. You’ll miss them when they’re gone."
She also shared several pictures of herself alongside the beloved actor, as well as other members of the Marvel cast including Michael B Jordan.
Last year, Nyong'o also saw a clip of the film for the first time since Boseman's death and was reduced to tears. After taking a moment to compose herself, she said: “The grief is just the love. There’s no place to put it. I don’t run away from the tears or the grief. You just live with it.”
Right before we lost him, Boseman was working alongside Black Panther executive producer Nate Moore for the Make-A-Wish-Foundation, which realises dreams for terminally ill youngsters.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Moore revealed the heartbreaking final text message he received from Boseman.
"It was during [Covid-19] lockdown, and we worked together to get a young boy a voice note from T'Challa, as well as a package of toys – no easy feat when we weren't allowed to leave our homes or go to the office.
"But Chad figured out how to make it work because he cared so intently, and in hindsight, so personally," the producer recalled.
According to Moore, Boseman's final text addressed what they'd done for that poorly child.
"'It broke me, man,'" the message allegedly began.
"'But we need to do that for them. People deserve abundant life, special moments. They've been through hell battling disease. If we were able to ease their suffering and bring joy for a moment, and hopefully moments as he goes through the bags, then we made a difference in his life.'"
Earlier this summer, it was announced that British actor David Jonsson would assume the role of Black Panther within the MCU.
He's officially onboard the third solo film as King T'Challa's son; directed once again by Ryan Coogler and due out in cinemas Christmas 2028.
Basking in a rapturous reception inside Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con, Alien: Romulus star Jonsson told the crowd: "I want to say thank you so much. Thank you, Ryan. Thank you, [Kevin Feige]. Thank you to this amazing family that I honour, [it's] a privilege and blessing to join.
"I don't want to say too much because I want to let the screen do the talking, but believe me, the honour is entirely mine."
According to Marvel Studios boss Feige, Coogler cast Jonsson six months ago following a 'secret meeting' in a hotel.
"He called me afterwards and said, 'He's the guy. I felt it. I felt it in my soul. He's a good man,'" revealed Feige, per Empire Magazine.
Topics: Chadwick Boseman, Health, Cancer, Marvel, Film
Dan Seddon