"Black Panther" star Chadwick Boseman has died after a four-year battle with colon cancer.
He was only 43.
Expressions of shock and despair poured in late Friday from fellow actors, athletes, musicians, Hollywood titans, fans and politicians. Viola Davis, who acted alongside Boseman in "Get On Up" and the upcoming Wilson adaptation, said: "Chadwick.....no words to express my devastation of losing you. Your talent, your spirit, your heart, your authenticity."
Boseman, who played Black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel movies, had not spoken publicly about his diagnosis, which made news of his death all the more shocking for fans and those who followed his career.
"He was a gentle soul and a brilliant artist, who will stay with us for eternity through his iconic performances," said Denzel Washington, who funded a scholarship Boseman used to study theatre at Oxford and produced the upcoming Wilson film.
New Zealand writer, director and actor Taika Waititi wrote: "Devastating news. We lost a great one. Takoto mai rā e Āriki."
Disney executive chairman Bob Iger called Boseman "an extraordinary talent, and one of the most gentle and giving souls I have ever met."
"Captain America" actor Chris Evans called Boseman "a true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create."
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden tweeted that Boseman "inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even super heroes." Boseman's final tweet was an image of himself and US Sen. Kamala Harris, celebrating her selection as Biden's running mate.
Oprah Winfrey took to Twitter shortly after news broke to post a heartfelt tribute to the Black Panther star.
'What a gentle gifted SOUL. Showing us all that Greatness in between surgeries and chemo. The courage, the strength, the Power it takes to do that. This is what Dignity looks like,' wrote the 66-year-old media mogul.
Boseman died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side, his publicist Nicki Fioravante told The Associated Press.