He’ll go down as one of the finest actors of his generation, a star who embodied the hopes and dreams of many – a superhero in every sense of the word.
Yet acting wasn’t something Chadwick Boseman dreamt of doing as a kid growing up in Anderson, South Carolina.
If it hadn’t been for his elder brother, a high school tragedy and the mom in The Cosby Show, the world may never have known the actor who brought Black Panther to such spectacular life.
And if that hadn’t happened, millions of people the world over wouldn’t now be mourning the loss of a man with talent and compassion – a man who fought a secret battle with colon cancer for four harrowing years.
Chadwick’s mom, Carolyn, was a nurse and his dad, Leroy, worked for an agricultural corporation. Eldest son Derrick (53) went on to become a preacher but second son Kevin (48) wanted to be a dancer. Carolyn and Leroy were incredulous at first, but Kevin stuck to his guns and young Chadwick was inspired by his brother’s resolve to follow his heart.
“He was like, ‘No – I have something; I’m going to do it anyway, right or wrong,’” Chadwick told the New York Times. “And he was right.”
Chadwick’s interest in the arts was triggered by heartbreak. A friend was murdered and Chadwick started writing as a way of processing his feelings, which motivated him to transform his grieving words into a play.
This story is from the 10 September 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 10 September 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
OUR BRAVE LITTLE FIGHTER
Like her late sister, little Elana was born with a rare lung condition and can't breathe without a ventilator, but her parents are walking this familiar path with courage and hope
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
With his new film, The Fall Guy, Ryan Gosling put stunt doubles centre stage but how hard is it for a complete amateur to master the trade? Journalist Simon Usborne decided to find out
INSPIRATION EVERYWHERE
Irish writer Cecelia Ahern chats to YOU about writing her novels in longhand, her love of Lego and looking forward to her first wine-tasting in South Africa
THE KIDS ARE NOT OKAY
Something happened around 2010 that's had a huge impact on Gen Z, says a new book. It was the start of the phone-based childhood, and it's resulted in a rewiring of kids' brains - and a surge in depression and anxiety
HE'S ON THE BALL
Despite having no lower legs, -Grayton's prowess on the rugby field has made him a social media star
THIS ISN'T JUSTICE
A woman was shot dead by her fiancé, who said he thought she was an intruder. Now her family believe he got off lightly
THE BOSS IN CHARGE OF YOUR CROSS
As chief electoral officer of the IEC, Sy Mamabolo has his hands full these days!
HEARTBREAK AND HOPE
Relatives and loved ones share their stories as rescue efforts continue for the people still trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building in George
BLOOMING!
Shes adored by fans and loathed by haters, but like the character she plays in her new movie, Anne Hathaway says shes putting her own Joy first
SUSSEXES' AFRICAN ADVENTURE
Meghan and Harry took Nigeria by storm – but relations with the royal family remain icy