Chadwick Boseman: A Revolutionary In Film

Celebrate the accomplished actor’s most memorable films.

Chadwick Boseman: A Revolutionary In Film - Chadwick Boseman died an untimely death on Friday (August 29) at the age of 43 after a four year battle with colon cancer. The tragic news was confirmed via the actor’s official Instagram: “It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” the post reads.The Black Panther star, who graduated from Howard University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing, leaves behind a legacy of ground-breaking films that will continue to inspire viewers and actors for generations to come. Here are some of Boseman’s most memorable roles:(Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

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Chadwick Boseman: A Revolutionary In Film - Chadwick Boseman died an untimely death on Friday (August 29) at the age of 43 after a four year battle with colon cancer. The tragic news was confirmed via the actor’s official Instagram: “It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” the post reads.The Black Panther star, who graduated from Howard University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing, leaves behind a legacy of ground-breaking films that will continue to inspire viewers and actors for generations to come. Here are some of Boseman’s most memorable roles:(Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

Black Panther (2018) - Boseman took on the film’s main role as T’Challa, who was a Wakandan prince who had to fight off his own vengeful anger in order to find his own virtue after his father is murdered. He is also challenged to handle geopolitical threats and battles within his own family, especially his mercenary cousin Killmonger (played by Michael B. Jordan). The film became an incredible event, primarily for the African American community, as it set history as the first completely Black-led superhero movie in American history.(Photo: LISA O'CONNOR/AFP via Getty Images)

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Black Panther (2018) - Boseman took on the film’s main role as T’Challa, who was a Wakandan prince who had to fight off his own vengeful anger in order to find his own virtue after his father is murdered. He is also challenged to handle geopolitical threats and battles within his own family, especially his mercenary cousin Killmonger (played by Michael B. Jordan). The film became an incredible event, primarily for the African American community, as it set history as the first completely Black-led superhero movie in American history.(Photo: LISA O'CONNOR/AFP via Getty Images)

42 (2013) - 42 represented the number Jackie Robinson wore for the Brooklyn Dodgers as he broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, so it was only appropriate that Chadwick would take on the film’s main role. His portrayal of perseverance in the face of racism from baseball fans, opposing teams, and even his own teammates, Boseman triumphantly relays the legend’s perseverance over hate.(Photo: Mark Sullivan/WireImage)

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42 (2013) - 42 represented the number Jackie Robinson wore for the Brooklyn Dodgers as he broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, so it was only appropriate that Chadwick would take on the film’s main role. His portrayal of perseverance in the face of racism from baseball fans, opposing teams, and even his own teammates, Boseman triumphantly relays the legend’s perseverance over hate.(Photo: Mark Sullivan/WireImage)

Da 5 Bloods (2020) - In one of Spike Lee’s most recent endeavors, Boseman portrays Stormin’ Norman, whose remains were buried in Vietnam by a group of Black veterans. The film poignantly portrays the horrors of a war that they don’t really want to fight in because of the civil rights struggles African Americans were facing back home in America. Norman convinces his comrades to take the gold bars they discovered from a crashed plane for themselves. While Boseman isn’t one of the main actors in this one, his short role is key and very powerful.(Photo: Charley Gallay/Getty Images for WarnerMedia)

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Da 5 Bloods (2020) - In one of Spike Lee’s most recent endeavors, Boseman portrays Stormin’ Norman, whose remains were buried in Vietnam by a group of Black veterans. The film poignantly portrays the horrors of a war that they don’t really want to fight in because of the civil rights struggles African Americans were facing back home in America. Norman convinces his comrades to take the gold bars they discovered from a crashed plane for themselves. While Boseman isn’t one of the main actors in this one, his short role is key and very powerful.(Photo: Charley Gallay/Getty Images for WarnerMedia)

Get on Up (2014) - Taking on the role of the Godfather of Soul isn’t easy by any stretch, however Chadwick made it look effortless. The James Brown biopic depicts the chronicles of the singer’s decades of musical triumph as Boseman perfectly relayed Brown’s charisma and legendary style. And it wasn’t just his acting that made this special, JB’s famous dance moves were represented to a T in this one too.(Photo: Target Presse Agentur Gmbh/WireImage)

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Get on Up (2014) - Taking on the role of the Godfather of Soul isn’t easy by any stretch, however Chadwick made it look effortless. The James Brown biopic depicts the chronicles of the singer’s decades of musical triumph as Boseman perfectly relayed Brown’s charisma and legendary style. And it wasn’t just his acting that made this special, JB’s famous dance moves were represented to a T in this one too.(Photo: Target Presse Agentur Gmbh/WireImage)

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Draft Day (2014) - In this one, Boseman plays Ohio State linebacker Vontae Mack, an aspiring NFL star more known for his tweeting and outlandish attitude than his play. However Cleveland Browns general manager (played by Kevin Costner) sees potential in the young man and makes him the number 1 pick in the NFL Draft. The chills you feel when Mack learns he’s the top selection will bring you the happiness he portrays as he and his family’s life is changed forever.(Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

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Draft Day (2014) - In this one, Boseman plays Ohio State linebacker Vontae Mack, an aspiring NFL star more known for his tweeting and outlandish attitude than his play. However Cleveland Browns general manager (played by Kevin Costner) sees potential in the young man and makes him the number 1 pick in the NFL Draft. The chills you feel when Mack learns he’s the top selection will bring you the happiness he portrays as he and his family’s life is changed forever.(Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

Marshall (2017) - Representing another history-making figure, Boseman portrays Thurgood Marshall, an NAACP lawyer who went on to become the first Black Supreme Court justice. The movie received an Oscar nomination for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song) for the track “Stand Up for Something.” The film also depicts Marshall’s earlier years as a young attorney who criss-crosses the country defending innocent African Americans from unjust indictments handed down to them by the court.(Photo: Cheriss May/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

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Marshall (2017) - Representing another history-making figure, Boseman portrays Thurgood Marshall, an NAACP lawyer who went on to become the first Black Supreme Court justice. The movie received an Oscar nomination for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song) for the track “Stand Up for Something.” The film also depicts Marshall’s earlier years as a young attorney who criss-crosses the country defending innocent African Americans from unjust indictments handed down to them by the court.(Photo: Cheriss May/NurPhoto via Getty Images)