History of Chadwick Boseman in Timeline
Chadwick Boseman was an American actor who achieved significant success in his 20-year career. He received numerous awards including two Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Golden Globe, a Primetime Emmy, and was nominated for an Academy Award.
November 29, 1976: Birth of Chadwick Boseman
Chadwick Aaron Boseman was born on November 29, 1976.
1995: High School Graduation and First Play
Chadwick Boseman graduated from T. L. Hanna High School in 1995. In his junior year, he wrote his first play, Crossroads, and staged it at the school.
1998: Attendance at the British American Drama Academy
In 1998, Chadwick Boseman attended the Oxford Summer Program of the British American Drama Academy at Balliol College, Oxford.
2000: Drama League Directing Fellowship
Chadwick Boseman was named a Drama League Directing Fellow in 2000.
2000: Graduation from Howard University
In 2000, Chadwick Boseman graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing.
2001: Premiere of Hieroglyphic Graffiti
Chadwick Boseman's play Hieroglyphic Graffiti was produced at the National Black Theatre Festival in 2001.
2002: AUDELCO Award and Rise to Prominence
Chadwick Boseman rose to prominence as a playwright and stage actor in 2002, performing in multiple productions and winning an AUDELCO award for his part in Ron Milner's Urban Transitions. He also gave a one-man show called 'Red Clay and Carved Concrete' at the 2002 Hip-Hop Theatre Festival.
2002: Drama Instructor at Schomburg Junior Scholars Program
Chadwick Boseman worked as the drama instructor in the Schomburg Junior Scholars Program at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem starting in 2002.
2003: Early Career and Advocacy
In 2003, Chadwick Boseman landed his first television role on an episode of 'Third Watch'. He was then cast as Reggie Montgomery in 'All My Children', but was fired after raising concerns about racist stereotypes in the script. His future 'Black Panther' co-star Michael B. Jordan took over the role. Boseman's other early TV appearances included roles in 'Law & Order', 'Cold Case', 'CSI: NY', and 'ER'.
2004: Deep Azure Commissioned
In 2004, Chadwick Boseman's most renowned play, 'Deep Azure,' was commissioned by the Congo Square Theatre Company in Chicago. The play, addressing police brutality—a daring topic in 2004—was largely delivered in rhyme and later workshopped at the Apollo Theater in New York.
2005: Jeff Award Nomination for Deep Azure
In 2005, Chadwick Boseman received a Jeff Award nomination for his play Deep Azure.
2006: Deep Azure Nominated for Jeff Award
'Deep Azure' was nominated for a 2006 Jeff Award for Best New Work, solidifying its significance in the theatrical world. The nomination highlighted Boseman's talent as a playwright and his ability to tackle challenging social issues.
2007: Blood Over a Broken Pawn
In 2007, Boseman wrote, directed, and produced the short film 'Blood Over a Broken Pawn'. The film earned recognition at the 2008 Hollywood Black Film Festival, demonstrating his diverse talents in filmmaking.
2008: Move to Los Angeles and Early Film and Television Roles
In 2008, Boseman relocated to Los Angeles to pursue his film and acting career. He secured a recurring role in the television series 'Lincoln Heights' as Nathaniel Ray Taylor, an army veteran with PTSD. He also made his feature film debut in 'The Express: The Ernie Davis Story' as running back Floyd Little.
2008: Deep Azure Adaptation and Move to Los Angeles
In 2008, Boseman adapted 'Deep Azure' into a screenplay. The move was prompted by the interest of actors Tessa Thompson and Omari Hardwick in the lead roles, leading to Boseman's relocation to Los Angeles to pursue film and acting opportunities.
2009: End of Schomburg Junior Scholars Program Role
Chadwick Boseman's work as the drama instructor in the Schomburg Junior Scholars Program ended in 2009.
2010: Series Regular on Persons Unknown
Chadwick Boseman landed his first major role as a series regular on the NBC drama Persons Unknown in 2010.
2010: Regular Role in 'Persons Unknown'
In 2010, Boseman landed his first regular role in the television series 'Persons Unknown' as Marine Graham McNair. Despite the show receiving mediocre reviews, the role provided him with valuable experience and exposure.
July 2013: Heaven Premieres at HollyShorts Film Festival
In July 2013, Boseman's second short film as director, 'Heaven,' premiered at the HollyShorts Film Festival. This event marked another milestone in his filmmaking career.
2013: Breakthrough Role in 42
Chadwick Boseman's breakthrough role came in 2013 when he portrayed baseball player Jackie Robinson in the film 42.
2013: Workshop for 'Holler If Ya Hear Me'
In 2013, Boseman participated in workshops for the Tupac Shakur jukebox musical 'Holler If Ya Hear Me'. However, he chose to take on the role of James Brown in 'Get on Up' and did not continue with the musical's Broadway production.
2013: Breakthrough Role as Jackie Robinson in '42'
In 2013, Boseman's breakthrough role came with the film '42', portraying baseball legend Jackie Robinson. Despite considering giving up acting to pursue directing full-time, director Brian Helgeland cast him for his powerful audition. Boseman underwent rigorous training to embody Robinson, impressing even Robinson's widow, Rachel, with his performance. He also starred in the independent film 'The Kill Hole' the same year.
2013: Boseman's Essay on August Wilson
In 2013, Chadwick Boseman wrote an essay for the Los Angeles Times about playwright August Wilson and his influence on Boseman's work. Boseman was a fan of Wilson's work, and years later he would star in a film adaptation of Wilson's play, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.
2014: Portraying James Brown in 'Get on Up'
In 2014, Boseman starred as James Brown in the biopic 'Get on Up'. Initially hesitant to take on another biopic role after '42', he dedicated himself to embodying Brown's singing and dancing, working extensively with choreographer Aakomon Jones and receiving guidance from producer Mick Jagger on interacting with live music audiences. His performance received praise from those who knew Brown personally.
2014: Starring as James Brown in Get on Up
In 2014, Chadwick Boseman starred as singer James Brown in the film Get on Up.
2015: Relationship with Taylor Simone Ledward Begins
Chadwick Boseman began dating singer Taylor Simone Ledward in 2015.
2016: Debut as Black Panther in the MCU
Chadwick Boseman first appeared as the Marvel Comics superhero Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2016.
2016: Colon Cancer Diagnosis
Chadwick Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016.
2016: Stage III Colon Cancer Diagnosis
Chadwick Boseman was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016. He kept his diagnosis private and continued to work on several films while undergoing treatment.
2017: Starring as Thurgood Marshall in Marshall
Chadwick Boseman starred as Thurgood Marshall in the film Marshall in 2017.
2017: Boseman Stars in "Marshall"
In 2017, Chadwick Boseman starred as Thurgood Marshall in the biographical film "Marshall," which premiered at Howard University, where both Boseman and Marshall had attended. The film focuses on one of Marshall's early cases before he became the first African American Supreme Court Justice.
2018: Commencement Address at Howard University
In 2018, Chadwick Boseman delivered a powerful commencement address at Howard University, reflecting on his early career challenges and advocating for social justice. He shared his experience of being fired from 'All My Children' for voicing concerns about racist stereotypes, emphasizing the importance of standing up for one's beliefs.
2018: Black Panther Film and Accolades
In 2018, the eponymous Black Panther film starring Chadwick Boseman earned him an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture, a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, and a spot in the Time 100.
2018: Voter Advocacy Before Midterm Elections
Prior to the 2018 midterm elections, Chadwick Boseman used his platform to encourage voter participation. He urged his Twitter followers to use resources like VoteRiders to ensure eligible voters could cast their ballots.
October 2019: Engagement to Taylor Simone Ledward
Chadwick Boseman and singer Taylor Simone Ledward reportedly got engaged in October 2019. The couple had been dating since 2015.
2019: Final MCU Film Appearance
Chadwick Boseman made his final film appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2019.
2019: Boseman Stars in and Produces "21 Bridges"
In 2019, Chadwick Boseman starred in and produced the action thriller film "21 Bridges." He collaborated with the Russo brothers, directors of "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Endgame." Boseman advocated for diverse casting and donated part of his salary to secure Sienna Miller as his co-star.
2019: Boseman Joins Cast of "Da 5 Bloods" and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"
In 2019, Chadwick Boseman was announced as part of the cast for Spike Lee's "Da 5 Bloods" and George C. Wolfe's "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom." These roles allowed him to work with acclaimed directors Spike Lee and Denzel Washington, as well as perform in an August Wilson play.
April 2020: Donation of PPE During COVID-19 Pandemic
In April 2020, Chadwick Boseman donated $4.2 million in personal protective equipment to hospitals fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in Black communities. He also launched the Operation 42 challenge to encourage others to donate PPE.
June 12, 2020: Release of "Da 5 Bloods"
Spike Lee's "Da 5 Bloods," featuring Chadwick Boseman as Stormin' Norman, was released on June 12, 2020. Boseman's performance received mixed reviews, with some critics praising his charisma and presence, while others found his characterization underdeveloped.
August 28, 2020: Death of Chadwick Boseman
Chadwick Boseman passed away on August 28, 2020.
August 29, 2020: Most-Liked Tweet Announcing Boseman's Death
On August 29, 2020, the tweet announcing Chadwick Boseman's death on his Twitter account became the most-liked tweet in history. The news of his passing had a significant impact, drawing comparisons to other unexpected celebrity deaths in 2020.
September 4, 2020: Public Memorial Service
On September 4, 2020, a public memorial service was held for Chadwick Boseman in his hometown of Anderson, South Carolina. Speakers included Boseman's childhood pastor and Deanna Brown-Thomas, daughter of James Brown, whom Boseman portrayed in the film Get on Up.
September 24, 2020: Disney Unveils "King Chad" Mural
On September 24, 2020, Disney unveiled a mural by Nikkolas Smith titled "King Chad", dedicated to Chadwick Boseman at Downtown Disney in Anaheim, California.
November 29, 2020: Marvel Honors Boseman on His Birthday
On November 29, 2020, Marvel changed its logo animation in the opening of Black Panther on Disney+ to include images of Chadwick Boseman, honoring him on what would have been his 44th birthday.
2020: Boseman's Performances Earn Acclaim
In 2020, Chadwick Boseman's performances in "Da 5 Bloods" and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" earned him critical acclaim and a place on Time's list of the 10 Best Movie Performances of 2020. He received posthumous award nominations for his role in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."
2020: Death and Posthumous Acclaim for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Chadwick Boseman continued to act until his death in 2020 from colon cancer. His final film, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, was released posthumously to critical acclaim, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Motion Picture Drama, and four nominations at the 27th Screen Actors Guild Awards, including a win for Male Actor in a Leading Role.
2020: Progression to Stage IV Cancer
By 2020, Chadwick Boseman's colon cancer had progressed to stage IV. Despite the severity of his condition, he continued to work and keep his diagnosis private.
2020: Release of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
In 2020, the film Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, featuring Chadwick Boseman as trumpeter Levee, was released posthumously. The role was challenging but exciting for Boseman, and his performance received critical acclaim.
2020: Ryan Coogler's Tribute and Plans for Sequel
In 2020, Ryan Coogler, director of Black Panther, shared his condolences and revealed he had been writing the sequel with Chadwick Boseman in mind. Marvel Studios confirmed T'Challa wouldn't be recast.
2020: Tributes for Chadwick Boseman
In 2020, Major League Baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and various publications honored Chadwick Boseman for his portrayal of Jackie Robinson, noting his death coincided with Jackie Robinson Day. The NBA, Lewis Hamilton, and others also paid tribute.
February 2021: Mural at Trilith Studios
In February 2021, a mural dedicated to Chadwick Boseman was painted at Trilith Studios in Fayetteville, Georgia, by artist Brandon Sadler.
April 2021: Anthony Hopkins Pays Tribute at the Oscars
After winning Best Actor at the Academy Awards in April 2021, Anthony Hopkins paid tribute to Chadwick Boseman, acknowledging his talent and untimely passing.
May 26, 2021: Howard University Renames College of Fine Arts
On May 26, 2021, Chadwick Boseman's alma mater, Howard University, renamed its College of Fine Arts in his honor.
2021: Posthumous Primetime Emmy Award for What If...?
In 2021, Chadwick Boseman posthumously earned a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance for his role in the Disney+ anthology series What If...?
2022: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as a Tribute to Boseman
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, released in 2022, served as a tribute to Chadwick Boseman. The film depicted T'Challa's death and Wakanda's grieving process, with Shuri eventually becoming the new Black Panther. The end credits included a dedication to Boseman.
2022: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Release
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the sequel to Black Panther, was released in 2022.
2022: Posthumous Emmy Award
In 2022, Chadwick Boseman posthumously won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance for his work on the animated Marvel series What If...?
2024: Performing Arts Center Renamed
In 2024, the Anderson School District Five Board of Trustees, the school district Boseman attended, renamed the performing arts center at Southwood Academy of the Arts in his honor.