Arts world pays tribute to actor Chadwick Boseman

It was revealed that Boseman has, for the last four years, been battling colon cancer while starring in some of the biggest blockbusters of all time – including Black Panther (in which he played the titular role) and two Avengers films. Boseman is also set to appear in the Netflix film based on August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

Initially training to be a writer and theatre director, Boseman wrote his first play while still at high school, about a classmate who had been shot and killed. In 2000 he graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing.

May Flights Of Angels Sing Thee To Thy Rest. RIP https://t.co/VKKdBH9aCA

RIP Chadwick Boseman. Working through all that pain. A real fighter. https://t.co/UOLDglsQBl

This man lived out his dream right until the near end. Live in the moment people and enjoy the company of your loved ones while they're with us.

Rest In Power Chadwick Boseman pic.twitter.com/kxDIXF9NLr

The term "King" is often thrown around.

You brought grace, empathy and power to all your work.

You inspired generations.

You will be sorely missed, King.

Rest In Power. #WakandaForever pic.twitter.com/TPPGJc86uW

If you're already crying but you want to smile too and remember Chadwick Boseman as the graceful king he will always be, watch this https://t.co/x4pAFZa4Mn

What a powerful, emotional and inspirational acceptance speech by #ChadBoseman He is gone but his legacy will live on #changetheworld #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/yp86zlQleJ

"When God has something for you, it doesn't matter who stands against it. God will move someone who is holding you back away from a door and put someone there who will open it for you" – Chadwick Bosemanpic.twitter.com/1t5dCwg8Qp

Chadwick Boseman getting emotional about trading letters with kids with terminal cancer who passed before they got to see Black Panther…knowing he was himself battling cancer when he said this. Jesus. pic.twitter.com/o6l6hUjanU

May you have a beautiful return, King. We will miss you so. pic.twitter.com/jdip3RHoXb

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…May flights of angels sing thee to thy heavenly rest. I love you! pic.twitter.com/6abglPBOsh

I'm so shocked and heartbroken about Chadwick. He was such a bright light, such a gifted performer. He brought grace, elegance and power to everything he did. He always seemed to carry our ancestors with him. And now he joins them far too soon.

T'Challa in Black Panther
Jackie Robinson in 42
James Brown in Get on Up
Thurgood Marshall in Marshall

Iconic figures. Iconic roles.

RIP Chadwick Boseman pic.twitter.com/Mjt68cLXWI

Legacy, what is a legacy? It's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see… Thank You Chadwick Boseman, your contribution to film will have lasting effects on how strong, powerful and intelligent black men are portrayed on screen. RIP.

RIP What an incredible talent and generous spirit. Thinking of your family during this heartbreaking time. https://t.co/xW3KDB83m8

We walk taller and see farther because of you.

Respect and immeasurable gratitude Chadwick Boseman and Boseman family https://t.co/G5x4IOxGQD

It was a Privilege to share time on this earth with you @chadwickboseman . You challenged me, supported me and made the MOST of our work together. Rest in Power and Peace Brother. @itsBenThompson #Holler

Waking up to this devastating loss. RIP Chadwick Boseman.

One of my favourite Hamilton memories is when we all went to celebrate the release of Black Panther. I will always remember how seeing a Black man as a superhero made my Black brothers and sisters feel so empowered and ready to take on the world. RIP #ChadwickBoseman pic.twitter.com/esQzWaKPzy