Hollywood star Chadwick Boseman passes away at 43 after long battle with colon cancer

HOLLYWOOD star Chadwick Boseman famous for his ground-breaking superhero film Blank Panther set in the fictitious nation of Wakanda has died at the age of 42 after finally succumbing to a long-running battle against colon cancer.

Mr Boseman, who was first diagnosed with the ailment in 2016, had not publicly discussed his condition and continued to work on major Hollywood films while receiving treatment. In 2018, Mr Boseman became the first black superhero to get his own standalone film following the record-breaking Marvel franchise Black Panther.

Wakanda, the movie set in a fictional African kingdom, was adored by critics and audiences, becoming the first comic book film to be nominated for best picture at the Oscars and grossing over $1bn worldwide. Earlier in his career, Mr Boseman played black icons Jackie Robinson in 42 and James Brown in Get on Up.

He recently appeared in Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods and was set to appear in a sequel to Black Panther due in 2022. A family statement posted on his social media handle read: “It was the honour of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.

"He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side. A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all and filmed projects during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy."