R.I.P. Chadwick Boseman, who played heroes of inclusion, equal treatment, and justice, real and fictional

Yesterday, I wrote that "the death of Chadwick Boseman called to me" and that I would likely get to his passing and the 15th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina later. Well, today is later, so I am celebrating the life of a larger-than-life actor who played larger-than-life characters, both real and fictional.

I begin with Good Morning America's tribute, 'Black Panther' star Chadwick Boseman dies of colon cancer at age 43.

The "Black Panther" star who also portrayed a roster of Black American icons is being remembered by fans, friends and fellow actors for his talents, his spirit and his heart.

In addition to being T'Challa, the Black Panther, a role and movie I wrote about extensively, I blogged about Boseman playing Thurgood Marshall in "Marshall." I missed that he played fellow UCLA Bruin Jackie Robinson and musician James Brown. While T'Challa was a fictional hero that became a symbol of inclusion, diversity, and representation, both Marshall and Robinson were real heroes for inclusion, diversity, representation, equal treatment, and justice. Boseman played them all.

Speaking of those roles, I continue with CNN's video obituary, 'Black Panther' star Chadwick Boseman dies at 43, which features more clips of Boseman's films as well as one of his commencement address at his alma mater, Howard University.

Chadwick Boseman, the man who brought "Black Panther" to life, has died. The actor has been battling colon cancer since 2016 and died at home with his family and wife by his side, according to a statement posted on his Twitter account.
He was 43, his publicist Nicki Fioravante said in a statement.
"A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you so many of the films you have come to love so much," the statement said. "From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy."
The statement said the role of King T'Challa was the "honor of (Boseman's) career."

It certainly was.

The above video show what the news professionals thought of Boseman and his impact. Follow over the jump for two videos from Grace Randolph of Beyond The Trailer that express what the entertainment media and Boseman's fans think of him.

Grace's first video is a Chadwick Boseman Tribute.

Chadwick Boseman Tribute from Beyond The Trailer - Fundraiser for St Jude Children's Hospital.

Chadwick Boseman dead at 43 from colon cancer. Beyond The Trailer's tribute to his career in Hollywood and legacy in the black community, from 42 to Black Panther. Will he win an Oscar posthumously for Da 5 Bloods? Share your own thoughts and memories of Chadwick Boseman in the wake of his tragic death.

The idea that Boseman is likely to be nominated for an Oscar and has a good chance of winning hadn't occurred to me until I watched this video. I think it's a good idea.

Grace concluded her two-part tribute with Black Panther 2 After Chadwick Boseman's Death - Shuri, Ryan Coogler, outlining what she and her followers think Disney and Marvel should do to honor Boseman's memory.

After Chadwick Boseman's tragic death, how Black Panther 2 can honor his memory in the MCU with Shuri. This video is a fundraiser for St Jude.

Chadwick Boseman dead at 43. Black Panther 2 does NOT need to be cancelled, Ryan Coogler can continue with Shuri as the new Black Panther as in the comics. Should Storm still be in the movie? Can Killmonger still be brought back? How M'Baku, Namor and Marvel comics will likely help with the transition. Plus why Black Panther is so important to Disney & Marvel's MCU, theme park plans for Avengers Campus in Disneyland and more of the legacy created by Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa.

Thank you, Grace, for suggesting a plan that will keep the Black Panther in the MCU while honoring Boseman's memory. Marvel has three rulers who are also superheroes or supervillains, T'Challa, Namor, and Victor Von Doom. After Namor, I'm looking forward to T'Challa taking on Doom. I hope I get my wish.

That's it for August. Stay tuned for the first post of September, coming up soon.