Beloved actor Chadwick Boseman receives posthumous star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
By Olivia Woloz
On August 28, 2020, inspiring and beloved actor Chadwick Boseman passed away from cancer. At 43 years old, Boseman had acted in a multitude of films, most notably Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther.”
As a prominent Black figure, Boseman portrayed the king of Wakanda, an industrially advanced African nation. From 2016 on, he had been fighting Stage 3 and ultimately Stage 4 colon cancer while enduring several surgeries and chemotherapy sessions between projects. As one of the only Black superheroes and eminent Black actors, Boseman was an inspiration to many people, and his tragic death had a profound impact on their lives.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2024 decided to present the late actor with a posthumous star for his accomplishments in the entertainment sphere.
“His powerful performances and enduring impact both on and off screen continue to inspire generations around the world,” Hollywood Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez said in an interview with Billboard.
The star unveiling will take place on November 20, 2025, with his wife, Simone, accepting it on his behalf.
Those expected to be in attendance include Ryan Coogler, director of Black Panther, and his co-star on August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” Viola Davis. Other posthumous awards presented to Boseman include nominations from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and the Oscars, as well as best actor awards from the Golden Globes.
Boseman’s discography goes beyond Black Panther, starring in the role of Jackie Robinson in the 2013 film “42” and as the lead role in James Brown’s 2014 biopic “Get on Up.” His legacy lives on, along with his permanent star in “the heart of the showbiz city,” as the BBC puts it.
According to The New York Times’ article on his recent passing, Boseman moved from playing basketball to storytelling in high school after a close friend of his was killed. He then attended Howard University with hopes of one day becoming a director. After spending a trip to the British American Drama Academy, he wrote and directed multiple plays, only adding to his impressive and diverse discography.
Despite passing at the age of 43, Boseman’s life was lived to the fullest, fighting through the pain to keep doing what he loved while touching the hearts of many.
