Chadwick Boseman Kept His Cancer Battle a Secret Because of His Mother

Chadwick Boseman’s death came as a shock to the entertainment industry as well as the fans. The actor was battling colon cancer for four years and was undergoing surgeries and chemotherapy. People who were close to the actor have reflected back on his life.

Michael Greene, Black Panther’s star agent, revealed that his mother, Carolyn, contributed to the decision of keeping things private. Chadwick only told his close friends about his fight with cancer. Michael said that his mother has always taught him to not let people fuss over him. Greene told The Hollywood Reporter, “He also felt in this business that people trip out about things, and he was a very, very private person.”

Chadwick’s trainer for Black Panther, Addison Henderson, prepared him for the role in spite of his disease. He recalled telling the actor that he reminded him of his dad.

Henderson further added, “ ‘You guys are fighters, and you never stop moving forward.’ For us, it was just like, ‘Let’s keep going, let’s keep doing what you want to do, let’s keep training.’ And then, me and [producing partner] Logan [Coles] and his family, his wife [Taylor Simone Ledward], we were always just here to support him.”

The president of Howard University, Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick recalled how Chadwick dodged a question about his weight loss in 2019 over dinner. Wayne said the actor gave a long, detailed answer. Explaining that he was a vegetarian and was exercising and trying to take care of himself. Wayne said, “It was a very thoughtful response, never letting on that anything else was happening.”

Chadwick Was In Hard-Core Pain

Michael said that as cancer progressed, Chadwick was in a lot of pain. At that time he was filming Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, but Chadwick was so excited to be working with Denzel Washington. The Marshall star’s publicist confirmed on August 28, that he died at his home with his wife and family by his side.

Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016. He battled with the disease for the past four years as it progressed to stage IV. The actor was 43.

A statement published by his family said, “A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. 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. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”

Even after his unfortunate passing away, Chadwick Boseman is still contributing. His story has inspired people around the world to take action in the ongoing battle against colon cancer.

Chadwick’s shocking death has led many organizations to raise awareness against colon cancer. It is the third leading form of cancer in both men and women in the U.S. Not only that, a number of fans and celebrities are also donating to the people who have to battle this form of cancer.

President of Fight Colorectal Cancer, Anjee Davis, revealed that she got a lot of boost in social media engagements and support. This resulted in raising almost $10,000.

The president said that the funds will be transferred to the research to seek better treatment options and a cure for colon cancer. However, she hopes that the awareness pushes people to get tested early on so that they too look into their family history. She says this can make them be on alert for signs and symptoms.

CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, Michael Sapienza, said that Chadwick’s death has already brought a big change to how people look at the disease. Chadwick battled through colon cancer for four years, while also filming for his movies.

However, the actor kept his struggle under wraps and chose not to be public about it. Although Michael urges people to be more open about it so that we shed the stigma behind it. He says it is crucial especially when it is affecting younger people like Chadwick.