Michael B. Jordan, who portrayed Erik Killmonger in “Black Panther,” broke his silence on the death of his co-star and dear friend, Chadwick Boseman, with a heart-tugging tribute.
The two faced off each other in the Marvel blockbuster “Black Panther,” which made Boseman a household name as well as the star of Marvel’s first Black superhero film.
On August 29, Chadwick passed away following a private four year battle with colon cancer. Tributes have since flooded in, with praise for Chadwick’s legacy. As well as his significance to millions of fans around the world following his groundbreaking role as T’Challa, King of the mythical African land of Wakanda.
“I wish we had more time”
Publicly addressing his friend’s death for the first time, Jordan shared a series of pictures of the pair together as he mourned the passing of his ‘Big Brother.’
“I’ve been trying to find the words, but nothing comes close to how I feel,” Jordan wrote. “I’ve been reflecting on every moment, every conversation, every laugh, every disagreement, every hug…everything. I wish we had more time,” Jordan began. “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,” he added.
“You showed me how to be better, honor purpose, and create legacy”
Not a lot of people know that the two actors knew each other long before they shared the screen together. In a 2018 Howard University commencement speech, Boseman said he had turned down a role on “All My Children” early in his career. Because of the stereotypical depiction of the character. Coincidentally, Jordan ended up being recast in the role when he was 16.
Recalling the past, Jordan wrote, “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.”
“You are my big brother, but I never fully got a chance to tell you”
Jordan continued, “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.”
The actor ended his tribute by adding, “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.”
“It was the honor of his career to bring T’Challa to life in Black Panther”
On Friday, Boseman’s family confirmed the news of his death in a statement posted to Twitter, revealing that Boseman was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and quietly battled it for years as it progressed to stage IV. “A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” the statement said. “From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more. All were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.”
The statement added, “It was the honor of his career to bring T’Challa to life in Black Panther. He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.”
Apart from the MCU family and millions of his fans from around the world, several of Boseman’s fellow “Black Panther” actors also made statements about his passing. Including Sterling K. Brown, Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, Winston Duke, Danai Gurira and Forest Whitaker.
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