Chadwick Boseman, whose powerful portrayal of King T’Challa forever transformed the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
commemorated his legacy by awarding him the 2,828th star, celebrating his extraordinary artistic achievements and lasting cultural impact.
Family, Friends, and Colleagues Pay Tribute
Boseman’s family, close friends, and industry colleagues gathered in Hollywood on Thursday to honour the late actor, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 43. His wife, Simone Ledward-Boseman, accepted the honour on his behalf, joining Boseman’s family in an emotional moment of remembrance.Among the speakers were
Black Panther director Ryan Coogler and actress Viola Davis, who starred alongside Boseman in
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Both delivered heartfelt speeches reflecting on Boseman’s brilliance, humility, and the indelible mark he left on those who worked with him.
Simone Ledward-Boseman’s Heartfelt Words
In her deeply emotional tribute, Boseman’s widow said: “Chad, today we recognise a lifetime of artistry. We recognise your skill and your devotion, and we cement your legacy as a hero and an icon… We love you, we miss you, we thank you.”
Ryan Coogler’s Emotional Remembrance
In a moving speech, Ryan Coogler shared memories from the earliest days of working with Boseman. He recalled their first meeting at a crowded hotel, where Boseman slipped unnoticed through a throng of celebrities and journalists. “I asked him how he got past everybody,” Coogler said, “and he smiled at me and said, ‘That was the Panther.’”Coogler highlighted Boseman’s extraordinary dedication on set, recounting how he attended every audition and callback to read with other actors even when he was busy or rushing across town.“He was incredibly generous with his time on set,” Coogler said. “Even though he was going through what he was going through, he would do his own stunts… It was incredible."
A Legacy of Talent, Leadership, and Generosity
Coogler spoke not only of Boseman’s commitment to his craft but also of his warmth and generosity off-screen. He described Boseman as a champion of Black voices in cinema and someone who continually supported his alma mater, Howard University.“He gave so many other gifts,” Coogler added, emphasising Boseman’s global influence and the privilege of witnessing his greatness up close.
ALSO READ: Wicked For Good Actress Ariana Grande Tests Positive For COVID
Hollywood’s finest in attendance
The ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including Disney CEO Bob Iger, Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios co-president Louis D’Esposito, and
Black Panther stars Letitia Wright and Michael B. Jordan.
Boseman’s Impact on Cinema
Chadwick Boseman first appeared as T’Challa in
Captain America: Civil War (2016) before leading the groundbreaking
Black Panther in 2018, an international phenomenon that earned seven Academy Award nominations, including Marvel’s first-ever Best Picture nod.Beyond the MCU, Boseman earned acclaim for portraying real-life legends such as Jackie Robinson (
42), James Brown (
Get On Up), and Thurgood Marshall (
Marshall).