Lupita Nyong’o speaks to Chadwick Boseman’s iron will in heartfelt tribute

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Lupita Nyong’o has shared a touching tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman across her social media accounts. Both actors starred opposite one another in Marvel's groundbreaking superhero epic BLACK PANTHER, which introduced mass audiences to one of the comic book company's smartest and most iconic heroes, King T'challah, aka Black Panther. Boseman passed away on August 28 after losing a four-year battle against colon cancer. The actor had kept his illness private for a number of years, assuring that we remember the man more than the illness that took him from the world far too soon.

“When I was around Chadwick, I wanted to be better, less petty, more purposeful,” Nyong’o wrote in her emotional tribute. “He was fueled by love, not fear. He moved quietly, deliberately and without imposing himself or his ideals on others. And yet he also made damn sure that his life meant something. He cared so deeply about humanity, about Black people, about his people. He activated our pride. By pushing through and working with such high purpose in the films he chose to commit to, Chadwick has made the infinite his home.”

“He showed up to every rehearsal and training and shoot day with his game face on,” Nyong’o recalls. “He was absorbent. Agile. He set the bar high by working with a generosity of spirit, creating an ego-free environment by sheer example, and he always had a warm gaze and a strong embrace to share.”

You can read Nying'o's tribute in full below:

Nyong’o is the latest BLACK PANTHER cast member to post a tribute honoring Boseman's life, spirit, and inspiring work ethics. Before Nyong’o was ready to share her thoughts, filmmaker Ryan Coogler penned a lengthy statement detailing Boseman's genius and undying love for the Black Panther character. Shortly thereafter, Boseman's BLACK PANTHER co-star, Michael B. Jordan, spoke about how the late actor showed him how to "be better, honor purpose, and create a legacy." Then, on September 2nd, BLACK PANTHER actors Letitia Wright and John Kani both released tributes to honor their fallen king.

While I'm still feeling destroyed over the loss of Chadwick Boseman, it does my heart good to know that he'd made such an impact on the world while he was still with us. Reading these tributes, it's clear that he touched the lives of many, and was a perpetual force for good in a world that can oftentimes appear dark and unforgiving. Rest well, Mr. Boseman. You will be forever missed.