Chadwick Boseman’s Friends Mourn as He Gets Posthumous Star Five Years After His Death

Chadwick Boseman was honored with a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday – five years after his tragic passing following a battle with colon cancer. 

A-list friends of the late actor gathered together at the ceremony to offer emotional tributes, while loved ones including his wife Simone Ledward-Boseman were also in attendance. 

Chadwick – who was known for portraying the character of T’Challa in the 2018 Marvel movie Black Panther – passed away at the age of 43 in August 2020, four years after his initial cancer diagnosis. 

He received the 2,828th star on the iconic Walk of Fame in the heart of Hollywood, with his wife formally accepting the honor. 

A number of celebrities were spotted at the event, such as Michael B. Jordan, Viola Davis and Ryan Coogler. 

As they gave heartfelt speeches, some guests could be seen becoming tearful while reflecting on Chadwick’s life and legacy. 

Viola took to the stage at one point and had previously worked alongside Chadwick in films such as Get On Up (2014) and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020). 

‘Chadwick was a mighty, mighty elixir that sort of stirred up that alchemy that we’re all in search of, which is meaning, I celebrate him today,’ the actress said, per Hello! Magazine. 

She continued, ‘And I say to him, I hope all the angels in heaven just sang him to a beautiful rest.

‘And I thank him for what he left behind in me, which is a burning amber that always guides me to a higher meaning of my work and my purpose.’ 

Ryan also spoke to the crowd in attendance – and the director notably collaborated with Chadwick on set of Black Panther (2018). 

‘We continue to carry him with us,’ the filmmaker said, also referencing to the upcoming third Black Panther film following Wakanda Forever (2022). 

He added that the late actor ‘deserved’ a star on the Walk of Fame and ‘was also our most incredible jewel.

‘He reflected light, he refracted it, and when he did, he showed the greatness of our people, and the universe of our shared humanity, thank you Chad.’

His wife Simone also became emotional as she spoke and said that her late husband ‘was more than an actor or even an artist.

‘He was a spiritual teacher, fortified by a family and close friends that kept him grounded in faith, a team that believed in him, protected him and fought for him.’

She further expressed that ‘he could give each and every person a specific part of him and still have so much left to share with the world.’

Simone recalled a dream she had not long after Chad’s death and said he told her ‘that there was only so much that he could do from here, these words were echoed by a close friend only days later, as if to say, in case you didn’t hear me the first time.’

Chad’s posthumous star is located not far from the Dolby Theater. 

His Black Panther co-star Lupita Nyong’o told Variety, ‘It means it won’t be missed. A place of prominence for a king.’ 

Chadwick’s brothers Derrick and Kevin were also seen at the event, while his other Black Panther castmate Letitia Wright also joined attendees. 

At one point, Coogler was seen bending over in his seat to rest his hand on his face as he listened to one of the speakers. 

Michael B. Jordan – who also worked with Chadwick on Black Panther – was seen in the crowd and took time to converse with the late star’s siblings. 

It was announced earlier this month that the actor would be receiving a star on the Walk of Fame – five years after his death. 

Ana Martinez – the producer for the Hollywood Walk of Fame – said in a statement: ‘The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is deeply honored to celebrate Chadwick Boseman’s extraordinary legacy with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

‘His powerful performances and enduring impact both on and off screen continue to inspire generations around the world.’

Chadwick died at the age of 43 in August 2020 following a private four-year battle with colon cancer – which he had been diagnosed with in 2016. 

At the time, his family issued a statement which read: ‘It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman. 

‘Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV.’ 

They added, ‘A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much.’ 

Chadwick had kept working and filmed projects such as Marshall, Da 5 Bloods, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom ‘during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.’ 

The statement concluded with, ‘It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.’ 

Other films that Chadwick starred in during his entertainment career included Gods Of Egypt (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019) and 21 Bridges (2019).

He also previously made appearances in television shows such as Lincoln Heights and Persons Unknown. 

After his passing, Chadwick garnered a posthumous Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his role in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and won a Golden Globe for the performance.