Chadwick Boseman’s legacy will live on in Hollywood.
Five years after the Black Panther star died at age 43 following a battle with colon cancer, he was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and his wife Simone Ledward-Boseman honored the late actor by bringing a piece of him to the unveiling ceremony.
During the Nov. 20 event, Simone placed a pair of Chadwick’s shoes on his newly-minted star so that he could “step” on the memorial alongside her and his brothers Derrick Boseman and Kevin Boseman. The family also brought a framed picture of the Get on Up actor, which they posed with together.
While Chadwick’s Black Panther costars Michael B. Jordan and Letitia Wright attended the ceremony, the Marvel movie’s director Ryan Coogler and his Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom costar Viola Davis spoke at the event.
Simone—who privately tied the knot with Chadwick months before his death—also addressed the crowd, detailing the legacy her late husband left behind.
“Chad was more than an actor or even an artist,” she shared. “He was a spiritual teacher fortified by family; close friends that kept him grounded in faith; a team that believed in him, protected him and fought for him; colleagues that trusted his vision, that lifted him up and forged a real brotherhood. You have no idea how pivotal those moments were. Thank you.”
The 35-year-old continued, “Chad taught all of us a great deal. His heart was so vast he could give each and every person a specific part of him and still have so much left to share with the world.”
While reflecting on his “lifetime of artistry,” Simone addressed Chadwick directly, noting she still feels his presence every day.
“We recognize your skill and your devotion, and we submit your legacy as a hero and an icon,” she said. “You lived with honor and you walked in truth. You are as brilliant as you were beautiful and as courageous as you were kind.”
She concluded, “We love you. We miss you. We thank you.”
Read on to see how Chadwick’s Black Panther costars have honored him after his death.
Michael B. Jordan
"I've been trying to find the words, but nothing comes close to how I feel. I've been reflecting on every moment, every conversation, every laugh, every disagreement, every hug…everything," the actor expressed on Instagram. "I wish we had more time. One of the last times we spoke, you said we were forever linked , and now the truth of that means more to me than ever."
"Since nearly the beginning of my career, starting with All My Children when I was 16 years old you paved the way for me. You showed me how to be better, honor purpose, and create legacy. And whether you've known it or not…I've been watching, learning and constantly motivated by your greatness."
"I wish we had more time. 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. 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."
"I wish we had more time. I'm more aware now than ever that time is short with people we love and admire. I'm gonna miss your honesty, your generosity, your sense of humor, and incredible gifts. I'll miss the gift of sharing space with you in scenes. I'm dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did. With grace, courage, and no regrets. "Is this your king!?" Yes . he . is! Rest In Power Brother."
Danai Gurira
"How do you honor a king? Reeling from the loss of my colleague, my friend, my brother," the actress shared on Instagram. "Struggling for words. Nothing feels adequate. I always marveled at how special Chadwick was. Such a pure hearted, profoundly generous, regal, fun guy. My entire job as Okoye was to respect and protect a king. Honor his leadership. Chadwick made that job profoundly easy. He was the epitome of kindness, elegance, diligence and grace. On many an occasion I would think how thankful I was that he was the leading man I was working closely with. A true class act. And so perfectly equipped to take on the responsibility of leading the franchise that changed everything for Black representation."
"He made everyone feel loved, heard and seen. He played great, iconic roles because he possessed inside of himself that connection to greatness to be able to so richly bring them to life. He had a heroic spirit, and marched to the beat of his own drum; hence his excellence as an artist and the incredible courage and determination as he faced life's challenges; while still guiding us all."
"He was zen and sweet and funny (with the very best laugh), attentive, and truly, truly, good. I can't even wrap my mind around this loss. A loss resonating in my own heart as well as around the globe. The children he inspired, my heart aches for them, to lose their hero just as they finally found him. I am so thankful to have taken the Black Panther journey with him. To have known him, spent time in his light and leadership and to call him forever a friend."
Ryan Coogler
The Black Panther director penned a moving letter in remembrance of Boseman. "He lived a beautiful life. And he made great art. Day after day, year after year. That was who he was," Coogler wrote in part. "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."
Letitia Wright
"this hurts. really hurts," the actress shared on Twitter.
Sterling K. Brown
"I don't have words," the actor posted on Twitter. "Rest In Peace, Bruh. Thank you for all you did while you were here. Thank you for being a friend. You are loved. You will be missed."
Angela Bassett
"It was meant to be for Chadwick and me to be connected, for us to be family. But what many don't know is our story began long before his historic turn as Black Panther," the actress began. "During the premiere party for Black Panther, Chadwick reminded me of something. He whispered that when I received my honorary degree from Howard University, his alma mater, he was the student assigned to escort me that day. And here we were, years later as friends and colleagues, enjoying the most glorious night ever!"
Angela continued, "We'd spent weeks prepping, working, sitting next to each other every morning in makeup chairs, preparing for the day together as mother and son. I am honored that we enjoyed that full circle experience. This young man's dedication was awe-inspiring, his smile contagious, his talent unreal. 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. #WakandaForever"
Forest Whitaker
"Your light brightened our days," the actor shared on Twitter. "It will continue to brighten our hearts and minds. Let the heavens be blessed as you illuminate the sky. Sending my love and prayers to the family. May god continue to hold you in his everlasting embrace. RIP Chadwick."
Marvel
"Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman's family," Marvel shared on Twitter. "Your legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace."