Introduction:
Chadwick Boseman was an acclaimed actor who is best remembered for his iconic portrayal of Marvel superhero Black Panther. This remarkable actor left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry thanks to his remarkable acting skills and memorable characters. He also starred in many other popular movies such as Marshall, 21 Bridges, and Da 5 Bloods. In this article, we’ll take a look at 15 interesting facts about Chadwick Boseman.
Fact 1: Chadwick Boseman Was a Multi-Talented Artist
Chadwick Boseman was far more than just an actor. He was also a talented writer. He wrote several plays, including Blood for the Emperor and Deep Azure. Boseman was also a skilled director and producer, having been involved in several movies and television series. Furthermore, Boseman’s love for the arts extended into music. He was a skilled jazz and blues musician and also wrote several songs for soundtracks including The Five Heartbeats, 42, and Marshall.
Fact 2: He Showcased His Range With Several Complex Characters
Boseman was known for his ability to portray a wide variety of complex characters. He played the Black Panther, a role full of strength and courage, and the godly Thoth in Gods of Egypt. He also portrayed Jackie Robinson, baseball’s first African-American major league player, in 42. Other complex characters played by Boseman included James Brown in Get on Up, Stormin’ Norman, a Vietnam war hero, in Da 5 Bloods, and T’Challa, the African prince and Black Panther in several Marvel movies.
Fact 3: He Was a Professor at Howard University
Boseman was not only an incredible actor but also a professor. He was a professor at Howard University and taught a class on black iconography and spirituality. Boseman lectured regularly and made it a point to reach out and teach the younger generation the importance and power of art and the stage.
Fact 4: He Was an Inspiration for Others
Boseman’s life was an inspiration to many. He overcame his own doubts and struggles to become an iconic actor and was an inspiration to those who wished to follow a similar path. His long, four year battle with colon cancer made him an even bigger source of admiration for many, and he continued to shine despite the odds.
Fact 5: He Studied Martial Arts
Chadwick Boseman was incredibly skilled in the art of martial arts. In order to prepare for his famous Black Panther role, Boseman spent two years training in several martial arts forms including Kong Fu and Jiu-Jitsu. His training helped him perfect his fight scenes and deliver some of the most memorable action scenes in movie history.
Fact 6: His Black Panther Outfit Was Incredibly Complex
Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther outfit was incredibly complex and detailed. His costume was custom-made and designed from scratch with a combination of Kevlar, leather, and foam. It weighed close to 50 pounds and was held together through a complicated series of straps and Velcro. When combined with the hundreds of LEDs and shiny black discs, the costume glowed and mesmerized viewers around the world.
Fact 7: He Was the First Actor to Play the Black Panther
Chadwick Boseman made history when he became the first actor to play the Black Panther in a live action movie. Boseman’s portrayal is considered one of the most iconic performances in recent memory and has brought a new level of admiration and respect for the character and the entire Marvel universe.
Fact 8: He Was a Family Man
Chadwick Boseman was a devoted family man and cared deeply for his family members. He was very close to his mother, Carolyn, and his emotional and physical support for her was something for all of us to admire and be inspired by. The love and care he showed for his family members only made his passing more painful.
Fact 9: His First Acting Role Was in a Church Play
Boseman’s first acting role was in a church play at the age of just six years old. Initially scared of the stage, Boseman eventually found his courage and passion for performing in front of others. His first major break came when he was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in the off-Broadway production of Raisin in the Sun.
Fact 10: He Was Given the Key to Anderson, South Carolina
In his hometown of Anderson, South Carolina, Boseman was given the key to the city in 2013. The mayor of Anderson declared September 1st, 2013 Chadwick Boseman Day and awarded him with the key in recognition of all his amazing accomplishments and works of art.
Fact 11: He Was Awarded an Honorary Degree From Howard University
In 2018, Boseman received an honorary degree from Howard University in recognition of all his achievements in his career and especially for his work as a professor at the University. The ceremony, which was attended by several members of the Marvel family including Robert Downey Jr., was a memorable and emotional moment that brought tears to the star’s eyes.
Fact 12: Boseman Was Fluent in Several Languages
As a student at Howard University, Boseman was a student of several languages including French, Korean and Swahili. He was able to use his language skills in several movie roles, including his portrayal of James Brown in Get on Up and as the Black Panther.
Fact 13: He Suffered From Stage 4 Colon Cancer
In 2016, Boseman was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. He kept his diagnosis a secret for years, and it wasn’t until a few months before his death that he publicly revealed he’d been battling the disease. Despite this, he worked tirelessly throughout his illness, disguising his illness with wigs and makeup despite going through various treatments.
Fact 14: He Donated a Story to Marvel for Young Readers
In 2018, Boseman donated a story to Marvel for young readers featuring the Black Panther. Titled “T’Challa: The Hero Who Took Flight,” the story follows T’Challa on a scientific mission in the country of Wakanda. It was written and illustrated by Boseman and Marvel, and was a great way for young readers to get to know the character of Black Panther.
Fact 15: He Was Awarded the MTV Generational Icon Award
In 2020, Boseman was posthumously awarded the MTV Generational Icon award during the MTV Movie & TV Awards. The award was presented to him by Lupita Nyong’o, one of Boseman’s co-stars, and his wife, Taylor Simone Ledward, accepting it on his behalf. It was an emotional moment that highlighted the impact Chadwick Boseman had on his fans and the wider entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Chadwick Boseman was an inspirational artist and actor that truly changed the entertainment industry forever. Though he passed away in August 2020, his legacy will live on for many years and will continue to inspire others. In this article, we’ve looked at 15 interesting facts about Chadwick Boseman. It just goes to show what a multi-talented icon this Hollywood legend truly was.
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