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 known for his impactful performances in both large-scale and independent films. His two-decade career was marked by significant acclaim, including a Golden Globe Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and an Academy Award nomination. He left a lasting legacy 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 later became a prominent American actor with a career spanning blockbuster and independent films.

Others born on this day/year

1995: High School Graduation and First Play

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

1998: Oxford Summer Program Attendance

In 1998, Chadwick Boseman attended the Oxford Summer Program of the British American Drama Academy at Balliol College, Oxford, with support from Phylicia Rashad and Denzel Washington. He used this opportunity to develop an appreciation for William Shakespeare and study other dramatists.

2000: Graduation from Howard University

In 2000, Chadwick Boseman graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing, marking a significant milestone in his education.

2002: Drama Instructor at Schomburg

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

2016: Colon Cancer Diagnosis

In 2016, Chadwick Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer, a condition he kept private while continuing to act.

2016: Diagnosis of stage III colon cancer

In 2016, Chadwick Boseman was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer, which he never spoke about publicly.

2018: Howard University Commencement Address

In 2018, Chadwick Boseman delivered the commencement address to Howard University, reflecting on his experience of being fired from "All My Children" due to concerns over racist stereotypes.

2018: Urging followers to support VoteRiders

Prior to the 2018 midterm elections, Chadwick Boseman urged his Twitter followers to visit VoteRiders online or call the organization's helpline to ensure eligible voters had the ID needed to cast a ballot.

April 2020: Donation of PPE to hospitals fighting COVID-19

In April 2020, Chadwick Boseman donated $4.2 million in personal protective equipment to hospitals fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in Black communities, starting his own Operation 42 challenge to encourage others to donate PPE.

August 28, 2020: Chadwick Boseman's Death

On August 28, 2020, Chadwick Boseman passed away, marking the end of his impactful career as an American actor.

September 4, 2020: Public memorial service in Anderson, South Carolina

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