Celebrities and fans alike have come together this weekend to remember actor Chadwick Boseman on the one-year anniversary of his death.
The Black Panther star passed away on August 28, 2020 after a four-year battle with colon cancer. In the months that followed, his memory continued to be honoured through posthumous awards and numerous tributes reflecting the profound impact Chadwick had not only on the film industry, but on fans and young people who looked up to him as a true inspiration. Those tributes continued this weekend in honour of the significant day. Social media posts poured in from Chadwick’s friends and former costars, including Lupita Nyong’o, Michael B. Jordan, Josh Gad, and more.
In a tweet on Saturday, Lupita shared a photo of the two actors laughing, writing, “I did not know that I could miss both his laughter and his silence in equal measure. I do. I do... One year after his passing, the memory of @chadwickboseman remains this alive in me.” Similarly, Michael shared a happy memory of Chadwick to Instagram, adding in the caption, “Not a day goes by bro… Love and miss you but I know you still with us.”
Actor Josh Gad re-posted one of the final text messages he received from the late star, describing Chadwick as “an angel on this planet and now a Saint on high.” The official Twitter account for Marvel Studios also paid tribute to Chadwick, calling him “our friend, our inspiration, and our King.”
Other celebs, including Viola Davis, Mark Ruffalo, Jane Lynch, and Kerry Washington also shared their memories of Chadwick on Twitter. And Howard University, Chadwick’s alma mater, posted the following tribute: “Today we remember and celebrate the life of our beloved son Chadwick A. Boseman. A unique actor, director, writer, and producer who played many American icons throughout his career and became an icon himself. His legacy will continue to live on forever.”
Celebrities aren’t the only ones remembering Chadwick this weekend; plenty of fans came together to honor the actor’s legacy while sharing what his work has meant to them. “Chadwick was genuinely such a light,” wrote Twitter user @korysverse. “He’s made such an impact on so many people all over the world. I feel like words will just never be able to really describe how missed he is. Still doesn’t feel real.” Other fans, like @sheistyler, reflected on Chadwick’s 2018 Howard University commencement address, where he spoke on the importance of purpose and living in the moment.
“Thinking of Chadwick Boseman today and this divine message,” wrote @sheistyler alongside a video of Chadwick’s speech. “Long live the king.”