"Superhero Has Left"
Obama, Biden, Martin Luther King III, and Others Pay Tribute
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Waves of mourning continue across various sectors following the sudden passing of actor Chadwick Boseman, famous for Marvel's film 'Black Panther.'
In particular, the late actor, who portrayed many pioneering Black historical figures, is being mourned not only by Hollywood but also by the political world.
Barack Obama, the first Black president of the United States, recalled on Twitter on the 29th (local time) Boseman's visit to the White House after portraying Jackie Robinson, the first Black Major League Baseball player, writing, "You could immediately tell that Chadwick was a blessed person."
Obama continued, "He was a young and talented Black man who used his abilities to become a hero that children could look up to, and he did all this while enduring pain," paying tribute to the late actor.
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said, "He inspired multiple generations and showed that you can be whatever you want to be," adding, "Even a superhero."
Biden's running mate, Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris, posted a photo with Boseman on Twitter, writing, "My friend Boseman was an exceptional, kind, knowledgeable, and humble person," and "He left us too soon, but his life made a huge impact."
Boseman's last tweet before his passing was reportedly congratulating Senator Harris on her nomination as the Democratic vice-presidential candidate. Harris is the first Black woman to be a vice-presidential candidate in U.S. history.
Martin Luther King III, the eldest son of Reverend Martin Luther King and a human rights activist, tweeted early that day, calling Boseman "an actor who brought history to life on the silver screen" and "a superhero to many as Black Panther."
He added, "Despite a long four-year battle with cancer, he kept fighting and inspiring others," expressing his condolences, "He will be missed."
Many U.S. media outlets, including The New York Times (NYT) and The Huffington Post, praised Boseman as a "real-life superhero" for filming numerous movies without revealing his cancer battle.
Actor Denzel Washington expressed his condolences in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, saying, "He was an outstanding artist with a gentle nature," and "Through his iconic performances in his short but remarkable acting career, he will remain with us forever."
According to CNBC, Washington once heard Boseman's story of being accepted to Oxford University's summer theater program in the mid-1990s but unable to afford the tuition, and Washington paid for it.
Colleagues who worked with him in Marvel films also expressed their sorrow.
Mark Ruffalo, who played 'Hulk' in Marvel movies, said, "He was a man with tremendous talent," adding, "Brother, you are one of the greatest actors, and your greatness has only just begun."
Don Cheadle, who played 'War Machine,' said, "You were always light and love to me," and Chris Evans, 'Captain America,' posted photos with Boseman on Twitter, saying, "It's more than heartbreaking."
Scarlett Johansson, who appeared in three Marvel films with him, released a statement mourning him, saying, "Chadwick was not only a deeply emotional and intense actor but also a very kind, thoughtful, funny, and gentle person."
Robert Downey Jr., who played 'Iron Man,' tweeted, "Boseman fought for his life while striving to create a level playing field," calling that "a heroic act."
Even DC Comics, Marvel Comics' rival, posted a photo of Boseman as Black Panther on Twitter, writing, "To a hero beyond universes. Wakanda Forever."
Global pop star Beyonc? referred to Boseman, who played the king of Wakanda in Black Panther, as "Rest in peace, King," on her official website.
Black stars in the sports world also joined the wave of mourning.
Formula One (F1) 'Emperor' Lewis Hamilton recently wrote on Twitter, dedicating his race victory to "Chadwick," saying, "He inspired young Black men and women and became a true superhero they could look up to."
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