Late actor Chadwick Boseman, celebrated worldwide for his iconic role as Marvel’s Black Panther, was posthumously honoured with the 2,828th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, November 20.
Boseman, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 43 after a private battle with colon cancer, was remembered in a deeply moving ceremony attended by family, friends, and colleagues.
Viola Davis, who worked with Boseman on the Oscar-winning film Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, reflected on their time together. She shared that he often engaged her in meaningful conversations about success and purpose—conversations she now believes came from someone who sensed they were entering a new phase of life. “This star, as beautiful as it is on the Walk of Fame, shines a whole lot less brighter than Chadwick is in heaven,” Davis said.
Ryan Coogler, Boseman’s close friend and director of Black Panther, also delivered an emotional tribute. He described Boseman as a symbol of leadership, wisdom, and generosity. Coogler recalled a moment during the 2015 Creed press tour when Boseman managed to slip past several major stars just to speak with him about collaborating on Black Panther. When Coogler asked how he got through unnoticed, Boseman simply smiled and said, “That was the Panther.”
Boseman’s wife, Taylor Simone Ledward-Boseman, delivered the final tribute. “Chad, today we recognize a lifetime of artistry,” she said. “Your skill, your devotion, your courage, and your kindness are forever part of your legacy. We love you, we miss you, and we thank you.” She then invited Boseman’s brothers, Derrick and Kevin, to help unveil the star.
In addition to the honour, Hollywood officially declared Thursday as “Chadwick Boseman Day,” further cementing his lasting influence on film and culture.
