Vigil held in Leimert Park to honor actor Chadwick Boseman

LOS ANGELES - Chadwick Boseman played an invincible superhero on screen... but off screen he was privately fighting for his own life. The 43-year-old Black Panther actor died Friday at his home in Los Angeles after a four-year battle with colon cancer. Fans were shocked and devastated by the news.

“It was very sad news to hear... big Black Panther fan, big comic book fan to see the passing of him is very sad,” said fan Kristopher Pratt. 

In Leimert Park a small group of fans gathered Saturday night to remember the talented actor who served as a role model to the Black community.

 “We needed him... the world needed him and the Black culture needed him,” said Leimert Park resident Kim Maxwell.

Boseman scored his first major role at age 35 playing baseball legend Jackie Robinson. 

“He played legends and when that wasn’t good enough... he played heroes and when that wasn’t good enough he played superheroes.”

Philosopher and FOX Soul host Dr. Sean McMillan first met Boseman 9 years ago in Chicago as he was preparing for his breakout role. Boseman went on to portray other Black icons like James Brown and Thurgood Marshall. McMillan says those roles were no accident:

“He only wanted to play parts that would remind Black people and the nation really of the genius and the excellence at the heart of what it means to be African American,” McMillan said. 

Tributes for the actor continue to blanket social media. Former President Barack Obama called him blessed as he recalled a visit Boseman made to the White House.

In Hollywood, actor Sterling K. Brown in a tweet thanked him for his friendship saying “You are loved and you will be missed”. And actress Kerry Washington tweeted these words:

“A warrior of light til the very end. A true king. I am without words. May he rise in power.”

A powerful actor and role model whose life was cut short but whose legacy will live forever.