CHADWICK Boseman’s friends, family and co-stars gathered in Malibu to remember the brave actor’s life and say their final goodbyes.
Mourners including Michael B Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o and other Black Panther stars took a moment to console each other and the star’s grieving wife Taylor Simone Ledward.
The memorial was overlooking the ocean and included music from a hang drum.
There was a beautiful table display with Boseman’s photo and flowers.
The actor passed away aged just 43 at home in Los Angeles on August 28 after a private four-year battle with colon cancer.
His beloved wife Taylor, whom he secretly married shortly before his death, was at his bedside alongside close family.
Since the actor’s death was announced tributes have since flooded in, with praise for Boseman’s legacy and significance to millions of fans around the world following his starring role in the groundbreaking Black Panther.
The film was a landmark moment for representation in Hollywood.
Boseman was remembered on Thursday as a hometown hero who brought a sense of pride to his native Anderson, South Carolina.
The city paid tribute to Boseman in a public memorial.
A viewing of Black Panther was held at an outdoor amphitheater where people practised social distancing. Most attendees wore masks, while others – mostly kids – dressed up in Black Panther costumes.
Some artwork of Boseman was displayed onstage during the tribute.
He is the epitome of black excellence, said Deanna Brown-Thomas, the daughter of legendary singer James Brown and president of her father’s family foundation.
She remembered when Boseman visited her family in Augusta, Georgia, before the actor portrayed her father in the 2014 film Get on Up.
Most read in News
Mrs Brown-Thomas joked about how her family teased Boseman for being too tall to play her father.
But she said Boseman was perfect for the role, admiring his humility as a high-profile actor.
She said: “He wasn’t Hollywood, and that’s what I loved about him.”
Anderson mayor Terence Roberts said people around town always knew Boseman would be special.
He said: “You know, he was always reading and always trying to get better.
“So from a work ethic point of view, it just doesn’t happen overnight.
“He showed us that we’ve got to hone our skills and just persevere.”
In Anderson, a city of about 28,000 people, there’s deep sadness and grief, but it has a bounce out of it that is such inspiration, city spokeswoman Beth Batson said.
She said: “That’s because Boseman inspired so many people in the community.”
Boseman was a playwright who acted and directed in theater before playing the Marvel Comics character King TChalla in Black Panther, which became one of the top-grossing films in history.
He also wowed audiences in his portrayal of other Black icons, including Jackie Robinson in 42 and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall, and shined in other films such as Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods.
Last Saturday Lakers legend LeBron James has paid tribute to Chadwick Boseman 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.
