Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Chadwick Boseman

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Chadwick Boseman made an impact.

Chadwick Aaron Boseman was a celebrated American actor and playwright known for his impactful performances in both major blockbusters and independent films throughout his two-decade career. He received numerous awards including a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Primetime Emmy. He also received nominations for an Academy Award and BAFTA Award. He is best known for his role as T'Challa in Black Panther which had significant cultural impact. Boseman's talent and dedication established him as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1995: Graduation and First Play

In 1995, Boseman graduated from T. L. Hanna High School, where he played basketball and wrote his first play, Crossroads, staging it after a classmate's death. He placed eighth in Original Oratory at the National Speech and Debate Association Tournament.

2000: Drama League Directing Fellow

In 2000, Boseman was named a Drama League Directing Fellow.

2001: Hieroglyphic Graffiti at National Black Theatre Festival

In 2001, Boseman's play Hieroglyphic Graffiti was produced at a variety of locations, including the National Black Theatre Festival.

2002: AUDELCO Award and Theater Festival

In 2002, Boseman rose to prominence as a playwright and stage actor, winning an AUDELCO award for his part in Ron Milner's Urban Transitions and giving a one-man show called "Red Clay and Carved Concrete" at the Hip-Hop Theatre Festival.

2002: Drama Instructor in Schomburg Junior Scholars Program

In 2002, Boseman worked as the drama instructor in the Schomburg Junior Scholars Program, housed at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem.

2003: First TV Role and Firing from All My Children

In 2003, Boseman was cast in his first television role, an episode of Third Watch, and began playing Reggie Montgomery in All My Children, but was fired after protesting racist stereotypes in the script.

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2004: Commission of Deep Azure

In 2004, Boseman's best-known play, Deep Azure, was commissioned by the Congo Square Theatre Company in Chicago.

2005: Jeff Award Nomination for Deep Azure

In 2005, Boseman received a Jeff Award nomination for his play Deep Azure.

2007: Short Film Production

In 2007, Boseman directed, wrote, and produced the short film Blood Over a Broken Pawn.

2008: Move to Los Angeles

In 2008, Boseman moved to Los Angeles to pursue his film and acting career. He was cast in the television series Lincoln Heights and appeared in his first feature film, The Express: The Ernie Davis Story.

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2008: Turning Deep Azure into a Screenplay

In 2008, Boseman turned Deep Azure into a screenplay, which prompted his move to Los Angeles after interest from Tessa Thompson and Omari Hardwick.

2009: End of Schomburg Junior Scholars Program Involvement

In 2009, Boseman concluded his work as the drama instructor in the Schomburg Junior Scholars Program.

2010: Regular Role in Persons Unknown

In 2010, Boseman landed his first regular role in the television series Persons Unknown as Graham McNair.

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July 2013: Premiere of Short Film Heaven

In July 2013, Boseman's second short film as director, Heaven, premiered at the HollyShorts Film Festival.

2013: Breakthrough Role in 42

In 2013, Boseman landed his breakthrough role as baseball player Jackie Robinson in the film 42.

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2013: Workshop for Holler If Ya Hear Me

In 2013, Boseman workshopped the Tupac Shakur jukebox musical Holler If Ya Hear Me, but did not continue to Broadway.

2013: Starring in 42

In 2013, Boseman's breakthrough role came with the film 42, where he portrayed Jackie Robinson. The same year, he also starred in the independent film The Kill Hole.

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2014: Starring as James Brown in Get on Up

In 2014, Boseman portrayed singer James Brown in the movie Get on Up.

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2014: Thriller Screenplay Sale

In 2014, Boseman sold a thriller screenplay to Universal Pictures and planned to star in it.

2014: Starring in Draft Day and Get on Up

In 2014, Boseman starred in the sports film Draft Day and portrayed James Brown in Get on Up, doing his own singing and dancing for the latter.

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2016: Starring in Gods of Egypt

In 2016, Boseman starred as Thoth in Gods of Egypt, taking the role to ensure African representation in the predominantly white cast.

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2016: Joins Marvel Cinematic Universe as Black Panther

In 2016, Chadwick Boseman began playing the Marvel Comics superhero T'Challa (Black Panther) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

2017: Portrayal of Thurgood Marshall in Marshall

In 2017, Boseman starred as Thurgood Marshall in the film Marshall.

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2018: Howard University Commencement Address

In 2018, Boseman reflected on his experience being fired from All My Children in his commencement address to Howard University, highlighting issues of representation and stereotypes.