One year ago, the gifted and magnetic actor Chadwick Boseman died from colon cancer, aged 43.
Boseman donned Jackie Robinson’s cleats and the dance shoes of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, embodying both Black American legends with a searing passion that demanded respect.
When he took on the role of Black Panther, he gave the Marvel superhero a cool, cerebral gravity whose “Wakanda forever!” salute reverberated throughout the world.
Boseman was discreetly undergoing “countless surgeries and chemotherapy” to battle colon cancer as his Hollywood career soared, his family revealed in a statement announcing his death.
He was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer in 2016 but never spoke about it publicly.
Many fans and celebrity pals were heartbroken over the revelation of his quiet battle.
“We are all changed by his work as a result, by his presence in our lives. His power lives on and will reverberate for generations to come. He used his life force to tell meaningful stories. And now we will tell his… I promise not to waste my time. I hope you will do the same,” wrote Lupita Nyong’o, a fellow cast member in Black Panther.
“Chadwick…..no words to express my devastation of losing you. Your talent, your spirit, your heart, your authenticity……..It was an honor working beside you, getting to know you….Rest well, prince,” Viola Davis, who plays Ma Rainey in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom alongside Boseman.
Recently, Boseman’s wife Taylor Simone Ledward paid homage to her late husband with the classic song “I’ll Be Seeing You” at a “Stand Up to Cancer” event.
And as the world continues to remember Boseman’s impact, indy100 compiled a list of 10 films worth watching to celebrate his artistry and legacy.
1. Da 5 Bloods (2020)
Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods is a 2020 American military drama film that he directed, produced, and co-wrote. Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Johnny Tr Nguyn, Norm Lewis, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Mélanie Thierry, Paul Walter Hauser, and Boseman are among the cast members.
Read more at Indy100: “The 10 best Chadwick Boseman films to watch in honor of his legacy”