Chadwick Boseman Tribute Airs on ABC

1

A moving tribute to Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman aired on ABC last night. Boseman, who is being honored across the globe as a man of quiet strength, passed away on Friday after a years long, private battle with colon cancer.

ABC, which is owned by The Walt Disney Company, aired a commercial-free presentation of Black Panther. Following the film was a special ABC News presentation dubbed A Tribute for a King.

The special began with the following video tribute, created by Marvel Entertainment.

A Man of Character

Several of Boseman’s co-stars and friends were featured during the special. Each commented on the work he will forever be known for, as well as his incredible qualities as a friend and human being who cared deeply for his fellow man.

Robin Roberts, host of Good Morning America and a cancer survivor herself, hosted the special. She interviewed some of Boseman’s colleagues, while others appeared via home-recorded video.

ABC

Emotions were raw as Boseman’s Marvel colleagues shared their experiences working with the late star. Several of his fellow actors, such as Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Winston Duke, Forest Whitaker, Mark Ruffalo, Paul Rudd and Elizabeth Olsen all appeared.

Marvel director Joe Russo, Marvel chief Kevin Feige and Executive Chairman of The Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger, all spoke about what made Boseman so special.

Additional commentary was provided by Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg and Felicia Rashad, who spoke with Roberts about her experience as Boseman’s teacher at Howard University.

A Life Well Lived

The special highlighted Boseman’s far-reaching impact as King T’Challa in 2018’s Black Panther, what many are calling the crowning achievement of his career. The movie fast became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring fans around the world.

Boseman portrayed T’Challa in a total of four films – Black Panther, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Fans are now learning that he was undergoing surgeries and chemotherapy during the filming of these blockbuster hits.

Photo: Variety

In addition to becoming the first, critically-acclaimed Black super hero in film, Boseman portrayed several influential historical figures. He starred as Jackie Robinson in 2013’s 42, James Brown in 2014’s Get On Up, and  Thurgood Marshall in 2017’s Marshall.

Not only was Boseman an accomplished actor, but he always made time for the charity work that was so important to him. We now know he was waging his own battle with cancer when visiting children at St. Jude’s Hospital.

Rest in Peace, King

We continue to send our love to Boseman’s loved ones.

Featured Image Credit: Insider.com

Would you like help planning your next Disney vacation? With reduced crowds, now is the time to visit! As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. I create customized itineraries, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much more… all for FREE! Please feel free to reach out at (646) 645-6175, bedwards@mickeytravels.com or join me on Facebook!