'Rest in power, King'
CHADWICK Boseman's devastated film co-stars have paid tribute to the 43-year-old who died after a four-year colon cancer battle.
The Black Panther and Avengers actor has been hailed an "immense talent" who "brightened days" and "radiated power and peace" by those who worked alongside him.
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His secret fight against stage 3 colon cancer began in 2016 - two years before the release of his Marvel blockbuster.
Chadwick passed away on Friday at his Los Angeles home with his wife, Taylor Simone, and other family members by his side.
Forest Whittaker - who starred as Zuri in 2018's Black Panther - paid tribute to his friend and co-star, writing: "Your light brightened our days. It will continue to brighten our hearts and minds.
"Let the heavens be blessed as you illuminate the sky. Sending my love and prayers to the family. May god continue to hold you in his everlasting embrace. RIP Chadwick."
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Captain Marvel's Brie Larson: "Chadwick was someone who radiated power and peace. Who stood for so much more than himself. Who took the time to really see how you were doing and gave words of encouragement when you felt unsure. I’m honored to have the memories I have.
"The conversations, the laughter. My heart is with you and your family. You will be missed and never forgotten. Rest in power and peace my friend."
Avengers actor Mark Ruffalo, who played the Hulk, said: "All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman.
"What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya. Rest in power, King."
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Thor actor Chris Hemworth wrote: "Gonna miss you mate. Absolutely heartbreaking. One of the kindest most genuine people I’ve met. Sending love and support to all the family xo RIP."
Avengers: Infinity War co-star Chris Pratt said: "My prayers go out to Chadwick’s family and loved ones. The world will miss his tremendous talent. God rest his soul."
Captain America's Chris Evans added: "I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking. Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist.
"He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King."
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Viola Davis who worked alongside Chadwick in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom said: "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!"
Arsenal, whose striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang famously wore the Black Panther mask in a celebration, tweeted: "Rest in peace, Chadwick Boseman.
"An inspiration whose impact went far beyond film. Your legacy will live on."
Emotional F1 star Lewis Hamilton said: "I woke up today to the sad news, our super hero passed away. I am devastated.
"I’m so grateful I got to meet you brother. Thank you for all you have done for us. Rest in Power King, you were the best of us and will never be forgotten.
"I’m sending love, light and prayers to you and your family. Wakanda Forever."
Chadwick's family revealed his tragic death in a statement, which said: “A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much.
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“From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wildson’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.
“He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.”
Chadwick's fans have expressed their shock and upset online at his sudden passing.
Martin Luther King III wrote an emotional tribute about the real-life superhero.
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He said: Chadwick Boseman brought history to life on the silver screen, from Jackie Robinson, James Brown and Thurgood Marshall.
"As Black Panther, he was also a superhero to many. And despite his 4 year long battle with cancer, he kept fighting and he kept inspiring. He will be missed."
Actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson quoted Chadwick saying: “'Press on with pride. Press on with purpose” - Chadwick Boseman.'
"This was hard to hear about. Hard to imagine the quiet pain and struggle you went thru all these years, yet still shined your powerful light and talents to inspire the world.
"Especially, our kids who finally saw themselves as a superhero — because of you. Rest in power, brother. My love and strength to your family. You will always press on with pride and purpose."
Kerry Washington reflected: "A warrior of light til the very end. A true king. May he rise in power."
Oprah Winfrey: "What a gentle gifted SOUL. Showing us all that Greatness in between surgeries and chemo. The courage, the strength, the Power it takes to do that. This is what Dignity looks like."
Movie fan Piers Morgan said: "RIP Chadwick Boseman, 43. What sad, awful news. Incredibly talented actor & by all accounts, a delightful man. Loved him in ‘42’ - so poignant that he died on #JackieRobinsonDay."
Britain's Got Talent's Alesha Dixon added: "Thank you Chad for setting the world alight with hope and wonder! Our real life superhero gone too soon! Rest in peace King."
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Kim Kardashian shared a snap of Chadwick, writing: "Rest peacefully Chadwick Boseman."
Singer John Legend added: "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."
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The talented actor was most notably known for his lead role in the Disney action-hero flick, Black Panther.
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The South Carolina native played King T’Challa in the original 2018 film, and reprised the role in spinoffs Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War.
Black Panther's sequel has reportedly already been filmed and is expected to be released in 2022.
Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman dead at 43 after four-year battle with colon cancer