Early Life and Education of Chadwick Boseman: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Chadwick Boseman. A timeline of key moments.

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

November 29, 1976: Chadwick Boseman's Birth

On November 29, 1976, Chadwick Aaron Boseman was born. He would later become an accomplished American actor and playwright, known for his roles in both blockbuster and independent films.

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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.

1998: Oxford Summer Program

In 1998, Boseman attended the Oxford Summer Program of the British American Drama Academy at Balliol College, Oxford, with the help of Phylicia Rashad and Denzel Washington, where he developed an appreciation for William Shakespeare and studied other dramatists.

2000: Graduation from Howard University

In 2000, Boseman graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing.

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.

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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2016: Diagnosis with Colon Cancer

In 2016, Boseman received a diagnosis of colon cancer, which he kept private while continuing his acting career.

2016: Colon Cancer Diagnosis

In 2016, Chadwick Boseman was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer. He kept his diagnosis private while continuing to work on films.

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.

August 28, 2020: Chadwick Boseman's Death

On August 28, 2020, Chadwick Boseman passed away after a two-decade career as an American actor and playwright.

September 4, 2020: Public Memorial Service

On September 4, 2020, a public memorial service was held in Anderson, South Carolina, for Chadwick Boseman. Speakers included his childhood pastor and Deanna Brown-Thomas, daughter of James Brown. The city also announced plans for a permanent art memorial.

2020: Cancer Progresses to Stage IV

Before 2020, Chadwick Boseman's colon cancer progressed to stage IV. Despite this, he continued to work on several films while undergoing treatment.

May 26, 2021: Howard University Renaming

On May 26, 2021, Howard University renamed its College of Fine Arts in honor of Chadwick Boseman.

March 19, 2024: School District Renaming

On March 19, 2024, the Anderson School District Five Board of Trustees renamed the performing arts center at Southwood Academy of the Arts in Chadwick Boseman's honor.