THE tweet announcing the tragic death of Black Panther star Chadwick Bosewick has become Twitter’s most-liked tweet in the site’s history.
As of Sunday afternoon, the tweet from the actor’s account had amassed more than 7.1 million likes and 3.1 million retweets and quotes.
Chadwick died after a four-year battle with colon cancer, which his family announced on Saturday.
He died at home surrounded by his loved ones, including wife Taylor Simone Ledward, his family said.
Chadwick never talked publicly about his illness.
Films including Black Panther, Da 5 Bloods and Avengers: Endgame were all filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.
Chadwick’s family revealed his tragic death in a statement, which said: “A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much.
“From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wildson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.
“It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.
“He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.”
The Black Panther and Avengers actor has been hailed an “immense talent” who “brightened days” and “radiated power and peace” by those who worked alongside him.
His secret fight against stage 3 colon cancer began in 2016 – two years before the release of his Marvel blockbuster.
The talented actor was most notably known for his lead role in the Disney action-hero flick, Black Panther.
The South Carolina native played King T’Challa in the original 2018 film, and reprised the role in spinoffs Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War.
Black Panther’s sequel has reportedly already been filmed and is expected to be released in 2022.
Forest Whittaker – who starred as Zuri in 2018’s Black Panther – paid tribute to his friend and co-star, writing: “Your light brightened our days. It will continue to brighten our hearts and minds.
“Let the heavens be blessed as you illuminate the sky. Sending my love and prayers to the family. May god continue to hold you in his everlasting embrace. RIP Chadwick.”
Former president Barack Obama also recalled his meeting with Chadwick, saying, “Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson.
“You could tell right away that he was blessed. To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years.”
Captain America’s Chris Evans added: “I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking. Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist.
“He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King.”
LA Lakers legend LeBron James paid tribute to Chadwick today by crossing his arms to form the Wakanda Forever salute in honor of the Black Panther actor.
The basketball star led a pre-game moment of silence before the game of five playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers.
During a moment of silence, the announcer called the actor a “close friend of the NBA” during the tribute.
Then the entire Lakers team took a knee in a time of reflection.
Meanwhile James, who Dressed in a Black Lives Matter sweatshirt, crossed his arms in a “Wakanda Forever” salute, which was the signature gesture of Boseman’s superhero character T’Challa.
Eventually the three-time NBA champion pointed up into the sky, seemingly in a last recognition of Boseman.
James also paid tribute to Chadwick on social media by sharing a picture of the two of them smiling together.
He captioned the picture on his Instagram with “Rest in Paradise King”.
