The best quotes about Oscar nominee Chadwick Boseman from those who knew him best

On August 28, 2020, the world was devastated by the news that Chadwick Boseman had died from Stage IV colon cancer and the reality of Boseman’s loss still feels painfully fresh for his friends and fans. Showing incredible strength and resilience, Boseman delivered some of his greatest performances during his final days, including his now Oscar-nominated role as Levee in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

If Boseman wins Best Actor during the April 25^th award show, he’ll join Best Actor winner Peter Finch and Best Supporting Actor Heath Ledger as only the third actor to win an Oscar posthumously.

Boseman’s work in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom has already garnered a Golden Globe, a Critic’s Choice Award, a Gotham Award and a SAG win. Boseman’s widow Simone Ledward Boseman also accepted two NAACP Awards this year in honour of her late husband, who was recognized both for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and his work in Da 5 Bloods.

Whether or not Boseman’s name is called during this month’s Academy Awards will have little bearing on what will already be remembered as one of the most celebrated bodies of work in film history. Boseman’s impact, including his work as King T’Challa, the Black Panther, will be immortalized on screen forever. Netflix recently released a new special that included interviews with some of Boseman’s most recent co-stars and directors, who praised the gifted artist. 

Ahead of this year’s Oscars, we’re taking a look back at what Boseman’s family, directors, peers and co-stars had to say about an artist who was taken far too soon.

Kevin and Derrick Boseman

In October 2020, Chadwick’s older brothers spoke to The New York Times about their late sibling, whom they knew as Chad. Both men agreed that their brother’s talent was evident from an early age.

“Chad was gifted,” Derrick told the Times. “He’s probably the most gifted person I’ve ever met."

Simone Ledward Boseman

Boseman’s widow Simone Ledward Boseman has been busy this awards season delivering beautiful and impactful acceptance speeches on behalf of her husband. During the Gotham Awards, Ledward Boseman spoke about the man she knew better than anyone.

“As an artist, an actor, and a person, Chad made a practice of telling the truth. He is the most honest person I’ve ever met…because he didn’t just stop at speaking the truth. He actively searched for it in himself, in those around him and in the moment,” said Ledward Boseman. “The truth can be a very easy thing for the self to avoid, but if one does not live in truth, then it’s impossible to live in line with the divine purpose for your life and so it became how he lived his life, day in and out. Imperfect but determined.”

Viola Davis

Oscar-winner Viola Davis played Boseman’s mother in the 2014 film Get On Up and reunited with him for his final role in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Remembering Boseman as an actor who was deeply committed to his performance and often remained in character while filming, Davis has spoken at length about Boseman’s impact, including in the new Netflix documentary.

In December 2020, Davis told The Guardian that she believes the man behind the famous characters will be remembered better than his on-screen personas.

“I think he is going to be remembered as a hero. There’s a part of the public that’s gonna associate that with Black Panther; I do not,” said Davis. “I associate that with his authenticity, especially in the midst of a profession that sometimes can suck that out of you. He was a person who lived a life bigger than themselves. I think that his legacy, his body of work, his integrity, is going to influence on generations upon generations to come.”

Denzel Washington

Boseman and Washington’s history famously goes back even before Washington was aware of the young actor. Washington (at the urging of Boseman's acting teacher, the Phylicia Rashad) donated funds to a group of Howard University students, including Boseman, for a summer theatre program at The University of Oxford. Washington also produced Boseman’s final film, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and said after the young actor’s death, that Boseman lived "a concentrated dose of life."

“He had a powerful, effective, incredible life that was unfortunately cut short. We got cheated. His wife, especially, his family – they are the ones who have to deal with the loss and the pain and not having him every day. We, as audience members, consumers, whatever the word, fans, we have enough forever. He left us incredible performances that will live forever,” said Washington. “A lot of times, I say: you never see a U-Haul [removals van] behind a hearse. You can’t take it with you, but you can leave it. And Chad has left it here.”

Lupita Nyong’o

Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o played undercover Wakandan spy and T’Challa’s love interest Nakia in Black Panther and the real-life love for her late friend Boseman remains.

A few weeks after his death, Nyong’o broke her silence on her beloved friend whom she described as having an "immortal energy."

“You got the sense that he was fully present and also somehow fully aware of things in the distant future,” wrote Nyong’o. “He was impeccable with his word. I never heard him complain – and there were definitely things to complain about! I think he understood the power of words and chose to manifest power through his word. He used his mouth to build, to edify, never to break."

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright played T’Challa’s brilliant little sister Shuri in Black Panther and felt like she gained a brother off-screen through her friendship with Boseman. Wright shared a beautiful and moving poem following Boseman’s death and talked about the impact of his passing.

“It is written, there is nothing new under the sun, But the sun stood still that morning, refusing to shine. Dark clouds surrounding, confusion setting in. Tears flowing, rivers so deep,” wrote Wright, describing the late actor as someone who brought a sense of calmness to every room he entered, moving with grace and ease. “Every time I saw you, the world would be a better place.” 

Remembering the first time they met in Los Angeles, Wright said, “God told me that you are my brother and that I am to love you as such, And I always did, and I always will.”

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan may have played the villain Killmonger in Black Panther, but in real life, he and Boseman were always on the same team. Jordan, whose Instagram image is a picture with Boseman, wrote at length about his friend and role model Chadwick Boseman in the days following the actor’s death.

“Everything you’ve given the world … the legends and heroes that you’ve shown us we are … will live on forever. But the thing that hurts the most is that I now understand how much of a legend and hero YOU are,” wrote Jordan. “Through it all, you never lost sight of what you loved most. You cared about your family, your friends, your craft, your spirit. You cared about the kids, the community, our culture and humanity. You cared about me. You are my big brother, but I never fully got a chance to tell you, or to truly give you your flowers while you were here.”

Sienna Miller

One month after his death, Boseman’s 19 Bridges co-star Sienna Miller revealed the lengths Boseman, who was a producer on the film, went to in order to create a set with equal pay.

“I didn't know whether or not to tell this story, and I haven't yet. But I am going to tell it, because I think it's a testament to who he was,” Miller told Empire, revealing that she was hesitant to go back to work after being offered 19 Bridges because she had a young daughter at home and was doubly reluctant to take a paycheque that was much lower than her male counterparts on the film.

“Chadwick ended up donating some of his salary to get me to the number that I had asked for. He said that that was what I deserved to be paid,” said Miller. “That kind of thing just doesn't happen. He said, ‘You're getting paid what you deserve, and what you're worth.’ It's just unfathomable to imagine another man in that town behaving that graciously or respectfully.

"In the aftermath of this I've told other male actor friends of mine that story and they all go very, very quiet and go home and probably have to sit and think about things for a while. But there was no showiness, it was, ‘Of course I'll get you to that number, because that's what you should be paid.’”

Don Cheadle and Robert Downey Jr.

At the December 6, 2020 virtual presentation of the MTV Movie & TV Awards, Boseman’s Marvel co-stars Don Cheadle and Robert Downey Jr. presented their friend with the inaugural Hero For The Ages Award, which MTV created to celebrate stars whose "onscreen heroism is surpassed by the real-life hero they truly are." 

“The second you first saw him onscreen or had the opportunity to meet him in person, his energy and intensity was undeniable,” Downey Jr. said. “There was something different and special about Chadwick Boseman.”

“Each time he stepped on the set, he inspired and influenced everyone there. And with every role he created a new legion of fans,” added Cheadle. “He had an incredible power to unify people in their love for his work, in their respect for him as a person. The way he lived his life united people for a higher purpose, and that will be his legacy.”

Ryan Coogler

Director Ryan Coogler worked closely with Boseman during the making of Black Panther, but in a statement released two days after Boseman’s death, Coogler revealed that even he did not know about Boseman’s devastating diagnosis. Coogler credited Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa in Captain America: Civil War with helping him to agree to take on the now-iconic Black Panther film.

“Chad was an anomaly. He was calm. Assured. Constantly studying. But also kind, comforting, had the warmest laugh in the world, and eyes that seen much beyond his years, but could still sparkle like a child seeing something for the first time,” said Coogler.

“He lived a beautiful life. And he made great art. Day after day, year after year. That was who he was. He was an epic firework display. I will tell stories about being there for some of the brilliant sparks till the end of my days. What an incredible mark he’s left for us.”

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett and Chadwick Boseman spent months filming scenes as mother and son in Black Panther, but it wasn’t until the film’s premiere that Boseman revealed to Bassett that he had been the student who escorted her around Howard University years before when she received her honorary doctorate.

Bassett recounted the incredible full-circle moment during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and in a moving Instagram tribute to Boseman posted only hours after his death was announced.

“This young man’s dedication was awe-inspiring, his smile contagious, his talent unreal,” wrote Bassett. “So I pay tribute to a beautiful spirit, a consummate artist, a soulful brother... ’thou aren’t not dead but flown afar...’. All you possessed, Chadwick, you freely gave. Rest now, sweet prince.”

Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier broke ground in Hollywood for Black actors and like Boseman, his impact on screen and in the Black community will be remembered long after he’s gone. Following Boseman’s death, Poitier’s family released a statement on greatness seeing greatness.

“How fortunate were we all to be blessed with the soul and works of this extraordinary human being, Chadwick Boseman,” wrote Poitier’s family. “In his short life and brilliant career, he has left us with impactful reminders of who we are innately as a people — courageous, empathetic, steadfast, honorable, smart, strong, in body and in mind — trailblazers in the worst of times and in the best of times. Thank you, Chadwick, for, yet again, reminding the world how a life filled with humanity and purpose truly elevates us all. Rest well."

Kamala Harris

Boseman was commemorated by Vice President Harris, a fellow Howard University graduate, who called him “brilliant, kind, learned and humble.”

Mark Ruffalo

Boseman’s Marvel co-star Mark Ruffalo called working with Boseman the "highest honor."

Trevor Noah

The comedian and late-night host honoured Boseman shortly after his death with a message delivered in Zulu. For his role as T’Challa, Boseman worked with a dialect coach to perfect and pay tribute to the South African dialect Xhosa.

“Yes this was our king,” wrote Noah. “Not because we served him or because he ruled. But because of how he served us in everything he did. He played a hero on screen and lived like one in real life.” Noah concluded his message writing, "Hamba kahle Chadwick...Sizoku bona phambili," which translates to ‘Goodbye Chadwick…we’ll see you later.’

Barack Obama

Boseman was celebrated almost as much for his work off-screen as he was for his blockbuster roles and that includes visiting the White House to work with young children. Former President Barack Obama celebrated Boseman’s legacy of charitable work with a touching tribute, writing “To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years.”

BEFORE YOU GO: Chadwick Boseman’s wife accepts his NAACP Image Award

[video_embed id='2170130']BEFORE YOU GO: Chadwick Boseman’s wife accepts his NAACP Image Award[/video_embed]