How Chadwick Boseman Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Chadwick Boseman—a timeline of influence.

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

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.

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.

August 29, 2020: Most-liked tweet in history

On August 29, 2020, the day after Chadwick Boseman's death, the tweet announcing his death became the most-liked tweet in history, accumulating over six million likes in under 24 hours.

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.

September 24, 2020: Unveiling of "King Chad" Mural

On September 24, 2020, Disney unveiled a mural titled "King Chad" by artist Nikkolas Smith, dedicated to Chadwick Boseman at Downtown Disney in Anaheim, California.

November 29, 2020: Marvel changed the studio's logo animation in the opening of Black Panther on Disney+

On November 29, 2020, Marvel changed the studio's logo animation in the opening of Black Panther on Disney+ to include images of Chadwick Boseman from the film, as well as his appearances in Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame, to honor what would have been Boseman's 44th birthday.

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2020: Ryan Coogler's tribute and Feige's confirmation

In 2020, Ryan Coogler offered condolences and said he had been preparing for Boseman's role in the Black Panther sequel. Kevin Feige confirmed that the role of T'Challa would not be recast.

2020: Tributes and Honorings After Death

In 2020, after Chadwick Boseman's passing, Major League Baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the NBA honored him, highlighting his portrayal of Jackie Robinson. Lewis Hamilton dedicated his Belgian Grand Prix qualifying lap and race win to Boseman.

2020: Posthumous Awards and Nomination

In 2020, for his final film role in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom", Chadwick Boseman received the Golden Globe and SAG Awards for Best Actor and a posthumous nomination for the Academy Award in the same category. He also passed away from colon cancer in 2020.

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2020: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Released Posthumously

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, co-starring Chadwick Boseman, was released in 2020 after the actor's death. Boseman played the role of trumpeter Levee. His performance was highly praised, with critics calling it an astonishing and revelatory performance.

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February 2021: Mural painted at Trilith Studios

In February 2021, another mural dedicated to Chadwick Boseman was painted at Trilith Studios in Fayetteville, Georgia, by artist Brandon Sadler.

April 2021: Anthony Hopkins' tribute at the Academy Awards

Following his Best Actor win at the Academy Awards in April 2021, Anthony Hopkins paid tribute to Chadwick Boseman, acknowledging his untimely passing.

May 26, 2021: Howard University Renames Fine Arts College in His Honor

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

2021: Posthumous Emmy Award

In 2021, Chadwick Boseman posthumously won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance for his final performance as Black Panther in the Disney+ anthology series "What If...?"

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2021: Marvel's decision on X-Men

In 2021, Marvel and Beau DeMayo made the decision not to feature T'Challa due to concerns about featuring T'Challa so soon after Chadwick Boseman's death

2022: Release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

In 2022, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever depicted T'Challa's death and Wakandans processing their grief. The film was dedicated to Chadwick Boseman, and T'Challa's sister Shuri succeeded him as Black Panther.

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2022: Posthumously Wins Emmy Award

In 2022, Chadwick Boseman posthumously won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance for the What If...? episode What If... T'Challa Became a Star-Lord? at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards.

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2022: Unreleased Black Panther sequel

In 2022, Ryan Coogler, the director of Black Panther and its 2022 sequel, offered condolences to Boseman's family and said that he had spent the last year preparing for the sequel.

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March 19, 2024: School District Renames Performing Arts Center

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.

March 20, 2024: X-Men '97 Premieres with T'Chaka Instead of T'Challa

On March 20, 2024, X-Men '97 premiered on Disney+ featuring T'Chaka instead of T'Challa as Black Panther due to concerns about featuring T'Challa so soon after Chadwick Boseman's death. The showrunner Beau DeMayo stated that when developing the show's first season in early 2021, he and Marvel Studios felt it was too soon to feature T'Challa so they chose to "put humanity before continuity" by featuring T'Chaka instead.