MANILA, Philippines — The sports world mourned the death of Chadwick Boseman with athletes across several sports paying their respects to the beloved Hollywood actor.
Boseman, who did not speak about his illness, died Saturday (Manila time) of colon cancer. He was 43.
You brought millions and millions of people together to be entertained, educated, to see ourselves, make us laugh, smile, and feel empowered. Thank you. Chadwick forever. pic.twitter.com/MB5d8A4gBR
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) August 29, 2020
A Genuine Great person #RestInPeace 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 https://t.co/HxXdpLtm0z
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) August 29, 2020
Among his many portrayals was baseball icon Jackie Robinson in the 2013 film “42.” Boseman passed on the same day as Major League Baseball’s yearly celebration of Jackie Robinson Day.
Photo from the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Twitter account
We are devastated by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman. His transcendent performance in “42” will stand the test of time and serve as a powerful vehicle to tell Jackie’s story to audiences for generations to come. pic.twitter.com/8oU7QpdLSE
— MLB (@MLB) August 29, 2020
Robinson was the first African American to play in the MLB in the modern era and break the baseball color line as a first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
From playing legendary figures to becoming one, we’ll never forget your iconic performance as Jackie Robinson and your many inspiring roles. You will be missed, Chadwick Boseman. pic.twitter.com/NY2sKMcJIb
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 29, 2020
Boseman, who also played as the Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe, had also been vocal about standing up against racism and social injustice.
Apart from his connection with baseball, Boseman also developed a good rapport with NBA players.
During the 2018 Slam Dunk Contest, Boseman added theatrics when he gave a Black Panther mask to Victor Oladipo and gestured “Wakanda Forever” before the Indiana Pacers guard made his dunk attempt.
Boseman was also among the judges in the 2020 Slam Dunk Contest.
The NBA mourns the loss of Chadwick Boseman, a great friend of the NBA family. pic.twitter.com/DUbat6plz0
— NBA (@NBA) August 29, 2020
Smh it’s just to much going on right now……. R.I.H #BlackPanther https://t.co/Vh9WvZz1bP
— Victor Oladipo (@VicOladipo) August 29, 2020
Just met you for the first time at all star… never stopped having this smile on your face… 😭😭🙏🏽 https://t.co/aYxDjEJHuV
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) August 29, 2020
Heartbreak. Another legend and inspiration to millions taken too soon. RIP. 💔💔💔 https://t.co/P7hIRgcsEl
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) August 29, 2020