He has roots in the West African country Sierra Leone. The couple was last seen together in February at the 69th NBA All-Star Game in Chicago.īoseman had not spoken publicly about his cancer diagnosis, but had sparked concerns over his health earlier this year after fans took note of his unusually thin appearance.īorn in South Carolina the son of a nurse and an upholstery entrepreneur, Boseman graduated from Howard University and had small roles in television before his first star turn in 2013. He had been reported to be dating Ledward after the pair were spotted together on the red carpet at the 2019 SAG awards, but his marriage was not reported until his death. 'It was the honor of his career to bring King T'Challa to life in Black Panther,' the statement said. 'The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.'īoseman is survived by his wife Taylor Simone Ledward and a parent and had no children, his publicist said. The actor had kept his diagnosis and much of his personal life under wraps. Tributes and expressions of shock poured in from across the entertainment industry on social media.Several of Boseman's recent films were filmed 'during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy', his family revealed.News of Boseman's death came on the day the MLB was celebrating Jackie Robinson Day, commemorating the iconic baseball star the actor portrayed in the 2013 biopic '42'.The star was reported to be dating Taylor Simone Ledward in 2019 and the couple was last seen in public together in February, but their marriage was never reported until his death.He had kept his diagnosis and much of his personal life under wraps Boseman is survived by his wife and a parent and had no children, his publicist said.His family confirmed his passing in a statement on social media Friday revealing the actor was diagnosed with stage III cancer in 2016 that later progressed to stage IV.Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman has died at age 43 after a private four-year battle with colon cancer.'Black Panther' star Chadwick Boseman dies aged 43 after private four year battle with colon cancer - as his wife and family pay tribute to 'a true fighter' and Marvel co-star Chris Evans says 'Rest in power, King'