Michael B. Jordan, Danai Gurira, Ryan Coogler and more offer emotional words

A number of the cast and crew members of 'Black Panther' have paid tribute to Chadwick Boseman, who passed away last weekend.

The actor played T'Challa, the alter-ego of superhero Black Panther, in the Marvel franchise.

He died aged 43 after a private battle with colon cancer.

Tributes for the talented actor and trailblazer have been pouring in over the past few days.

Ryan Coogler, who directed 'Black Panther', penned an essay to the actor (via THR).

He described the actor as "an anomaly. He was calm. Assured. Constantly studying. But also kind, comforting, had the warmest laugh in the world, and eyes that seen much beyond his years, but could still sparkle like a child seeing something for the first time."

He talked about watching 'Captain America: Civil War' and being "in awe" of him.

He described being unaware of Boseman's illness: "After his family released their statement, I realized that he was living with his illness the entire time I knew him. Because he was a caretaker, a leader, and a man of faith, dignity and pride, he shielded his collaborators from his suffering. He lived a beautiful life. And he made great art. Day after day, year after year.

"That was who he was. He was an epic firework display. I will tell stories about being there for some of the brilliant sparks till the end of my days. What an incredible mark he’s left for us."

He concluded the piece: "In African cultures we often refer to loved ones that have passed on as ancestors. Sometimes you are genetically related. Sometimes you are not. I had the privilege of directing scenes of Chad’s character, T’Challa, communicating with the ancestors of Wakanda. We were in Atlanta, in an abandoned warehouse, with bluescreens, and massive movie lights, but Chad’s performance made it feel real.

"I think it was because from the time that I met him, the ancestors spoke through him. It’s no secret to me now how he was able to skillfully portray some of our most notable ones. I had no doubt that he would live on and continue to bless us with more. But it is with a heavy heart and a sense of deep gratitude to have ever been in his presence, that I have to reckon with the fact that Chad is an ancestor now. And I know that he will watch over us, until we meet again."

 

Michael B. Jordan, who played Erik Killmonger in 'Black Panther' wrote of his struggles "to find the words" in the wake of Boseman's death.

He wrote: "I wish we had more time."

Then continued: "You showed me how to be better, honor purpose, and create legacy. And whether you’ve known it or not… I’ve been watching, learning and constantly motivated by your greatness... Everything you’ve given the world … the legends and heroes that you’ve shown us we are … will live on forever.

"But the thing that hurts the most is that I now understand how much of a legend and hero YOU are. Through it all, you never lost sight of what you loved most... You are my big brother, but I never fully got a chance to tell you, or to truly give you your flowers while you were here."

He concluded his tribute: "I’m gonna miss your honesty, your generosity, your sense of humor, and incredible gifts. I’ll miss the gift of sharing space with you in scenes. I’m dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did. With grace, courage, and no regrets. 'Is this your king!?' Yes . he . is! Rest In Power Brother."

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Danai Gurira, who plays Okoye in 'Black Panther', recently broke her silence on her friend and co-stars's passing too.

She opened her piece with the words: "How do you honor a king?"

She then wrote: "He was the epitome of kindness, elegance, diligence and grace. On many an occasion I would think how thankful I was that he was the leading man I was working closely with. A true class act. And so perfectly equipped to take on the responsibility of leading the franchise that changed everything for Black representation.

"He made everyone feel loved, heard and seen. He played great, iconic roles because he possessed inside of himself that connection to greatness to be able to so richly bring them to life, he had a heroic spirit, and marched to the beat of his own drum; hence his excellence as an artist and the incredible courage and determination as he faced life’s challenges; while still guiding us all.

"He was zen and sweet and funny (with the very best laugh), attentive, and truly, truly, good. I can’t even wrap my mind around this loss. A loss resonating in my own heart as well as around the globe. The children he inspired, my heart aches for them, to lose their hero just as they finally found him. I am so thankful to have taken the Black Panther journey with him. To have known him, spent time in his light and leadership and to call him forever a friend."

 

'Black Panther' stars Angela Bassett, Letitia Wright, Andy Serkis, Forest Whittaker and Winston Duke also paid heartfelt tributes.

Wright, who plays the younger sister of T'Challa, Shuri, simply wrote: "this hurts, really hurts."