Hollywood Posthumously Honors Chadwick Boseman with Walk of Fame Star

The late actor Chadwick Boseman, globally recognized for his pivotal performance as Marvel’s Black Panther, was honored posthumously with the 2,828th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, November 20.

Boseman, who died in 2020 at the age of 43 following a private battle with colon cancer, was celebrated in a heartfelt tribute ceremony. His widow, Simone Ledward-Boseman, expressed her enduring love and grief, saying, “We love you, we miss you,” while reflecting on his lasting impact.

The day of the ceremony was also officially designated as “Chadwick Boseman Day” in Hollywood. Speakers included his Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom costar, Viola Davis, and Black Panther director and friend, Ryan Coogler.

Davis shared emotional sentiments, stating she cannot associate Boseman with the words “gone” or “death” and must believe he is “still alive.”

She recalled working on their Oscar-winning movie shortly before his death, noting that Boseman often engaged her in profound conversations about the “cap of success”—discussions she now believes were indicative of someone “possibly transitioning.”

Davis concluded that his star, though beautiful, “shines a whole lot less brighter than Chadwick is in heaven.”

Ryan Coogler, visibly emotional, spoke of his former collaborator, summarizing his character in three words: “leadership, teaching and generosity.” He called Boseman an “incredible leader” and affectionately described him as “ageless.”

Coogler also recounted a memorable anecdote about Boseman successfully sneaking past major stars and press during a 2015 press tour to meet him and discuss the Black Panther project, crediting his stealth to “That was the Panther.”

Boseman’s wife, Taylor Simone Ledward Boseman, closed the ceremony with a final, poignant message dedicated to her late husband.