Chadwick Boseman: Black Panther Star Dies Of Cancer

Actor Chadwick Boseman, star of the superhero movie "Black Panther," has died after a 4-year battle with colon cancer, his representative said. Boseman had not spoken publicly about his diagnosis.

He was 43. Boseman died at his home in the LA area with his wife and family by his side, his publicist Nicki Fioravante told The Associated Press.

Boseman played the first black superhero to get his own standalone movie in the record-breaking Marvel franchise with 2018's "Black Panther."

Born in South Carolina, Boseman graduated from Howard University and had small roles in TV before his first-star turn in 2013. His striking portrayal of the stoic baseball star Robinson opposite Harrison Ford in 2013s 42 drew attention in Hollywood and made him a star.

The news of Boseman's death sent shockwaves around the world.

"This is a crushing blow" actor and director Jordan Peele said on Twitter, one of many expressing shock as the news spread across social media.

Another of Boseman's Marvel co-stars, Mark Ruffalo, tweeted: "Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord loveya."