Joe Biden And Kamala Harris Pay Tribute To Chadwick Boseman

Tributes to Chadwick Boseman, who brought Marvel Studios' Black Panther to the big screen, are pouring in as his family revealed the shocking news of his death on Twitter late Friday night. His family revealed that the actor had succumbed to colon cancer, which he had had been battling for the last four years. Boseman passed away at 42.

Democratic presidential Joe Biden was one of those who mourned Boseman's passing, tweeting, "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. Jill and I are praying for his loved ones at this difficult time."

Boseman and Democratic Vice Presidential hopeful Kamala Harris share a connection in that they are both alums of Howard University, where Boseman returned to deliver a commencement address in 2018 (via The Washington Post). It was this link that Harris referenced when she shared an image of herself and Boseman, tweeting, "Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family."

Chadwick Boseman was born and grew up in Anderson, South Carolina. He graduated with a Bachelor in Fine Arts in 2000, then went to drama school in London before he went back to the U.S. His first starring role came when he played Jackie Robinson in 42, a film biography of the first African American player in major league baseball. He also played soul singer James Brown in the movie Get on Up. But Boseman will be remembered for playing King T'Challa of Wakanda in Black Panther, which was one of the highest-grossing films of 2018 (via Deadline). 

Tributes from fellow celebrities continue to appear on social media — Dwayne Johnson tweeted, "Hard to hear about this. Rest in love, brother. Thank you for shining your light and sharing your talent with the world. My love and strength to your family." Fellow Marvel alum Brie Larson said, "I'm honored to have the memories I have. The conversations, the laughter. My heart is with with you and your family. You will be missed and never forgotten."

Marvel Studios posted a photo of Boseman as King T'Challa, tweeting, "Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman's family. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace."