Chadwick Boseman
Credit: Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images for Disney

Words: Chloe Watts

The world collectively shed a tear on Saturday when it was learnt that Hollywood actor, Chadwick Boseman had passed away at the age of 43 after his secretive battle with colon cancer. Gaining worldwide recognition for his role as King T’Challa in Black Panther, Boseman shattered the glass ceiling in the movie industry for children and adults of colour, who previously had little representation in the superhero realm. In turn, he became a culture hero for the Black community.

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But Boseman proved not every hero wears a cape by breathing life into an array of legendary figures. From his portrayal of baseball icon Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play major league baseball in the modern era in 42, to his role retracing the rocky road from humble origins to superstardom as the Godfather of Soul, singer James Brown in Get On Up. He also immortalised in film, the life of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in the film Marshall which documents Thurgood’s life as a civil rights lawyer before being appointed a Supreme Court Justice.

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The effect Chadwick Boseman had on the movie industry in just a few short years is no small feat. He proved that Black actors can play strong, intellectual, loveable characters and can lead a billion-dollar movie franchise. He changed the industry forever and will be remembered as a King of the silver screen. Rest in power.

Below are Chadwick Boseman’s seven most powerful on-screen moments.

black panther

T’Challa vs Killmonger Coronation Ceremony Fight Scene

Marshall

Equal Protection Scene

42

Jackie Robinson Bat Scene

Petrol Station Scene

Get On Up

Welcome to America Scene

Soul Power Scene

Avengers: End Game

Black Panther Running Gauntlet Scene