Lupita Nyong'o honours Chadwick Boseman on sixth death anniversary
Synopsis
Six years after Chadwick Boseman's death, his Black Panther co-star Lupita Nyong'o returned to Instagram with photographs and a quiet, powerful plea: hold on to those you love, tell them, show them. It is a reminder that behind one of Hollywood's most celebrated careers was a man who faced a terminal diagnosis in silence — and never stopped working.
Key Takeaways
Lupita Nyong'o posted a tribute to Chadwick Boseman on his sixth death anniversary, 28 August 2025 , via Instagram.
Boseman died on 28 August 2020 , aged 43 , from complications related to stage IV colon cancer .
He was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and never spoke publicly about his illness.
Despite treatment involving multiple surgeries and chemotherapy , he completed films including Da 5 Bloods and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom .
He was the first Black actor to headline an MCU film and was named to Time 100 in 2018 .
His final performance in What If...? earned him a posthumous Primetime Emmy Award .
Academy Award-winning actor Lupita Nyong'o marked the sixth death anniversary of her Black Panther co-star Chadwick Boseman on 28 August 2025 with a heartfelt Instagram tribute, urging followers to cherish those they love while they still can. Boseman, who died on 28 August 2020 at the age of 43, remains one of Hollywood's most celebrated figures.
The Tribute
Nyong'o shared a series of photographs alongside Boseman on Instagram, accompanied by a personal message in the caption: 'Hold on to those you love who love you back. Tell them you love them. Show them you love them. You'll miss them when they're gone. @chadwickboseman.'
The post drew widespread engagement from fans and the entertainment community, reflecting the enduring affection for Boseman nearly six years after his passing.
Boseman's Battle With Cancer
Boseman was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, a diagnosis he never disclosed publicly. The disease progressed to stage IV before 2020. Throughout his treatment — which included multiple surgeries and chemotherapy — he continued working at a relentless pace, completing productions for Marshall, Da 5 Bloods, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, and several other films. He died on 28 August 2020, with his wife and family by his side.
A Career That Redefined Representation
Boseman's two-decade career was defined by his portrayals of towering historical figures. He broke through as baseball legend Jackie Robinson in 42, then starred as singer James Brown in Get on Up and as civil rights attorney Thurgood Marshall in Marshall.
His greatest cultural impact came through the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), where he played the superhero T'Challa / Black Panther across four films between 2016 and 2019. He was the first Black actor to headline an MCU film — a milestone that resonated globally and helped make Black Panther a cultural phenomenon.
Accolades and Legacy
Over the course of his career, Boseman earned an Actor Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award, alongside nominations for an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award. He was named to Time magazine's 100 most influential people list in 2018.
His final performance — voicing T'Challa in the animated anthology series What If...? — earned him a posthumous Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance, a fitting final honour for an actor who never stopped working, even in his final years.
Why the Anniversary Resonates
Nyong'o's tribute is one of many that surface each year on 28 August, underscoring how deeply Boseman's loss continues to be felt. This comes amid ongoing conversations about representation in Hollywood and the lasting cultural weight of the Black Panther franchise, which has continued without him. His story — of quietly carrying a terminal diagnosis while delivering some of his finest performances — has become a symbol of quiet resilience in the industry.
Point of View
And no one knew. That silence was his choice, but it also reflects a culture where stars are rarely permitted to be unwell. Six years on, the Black Panther franchise has moved forward without him, but no recast or sequel has filled the specific weight he carried — as an actor, a symbol, and, evidently, a friend.
NationPress
29 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Chadwick Boseman die and what was the cause?
Chadwick Boseman died on 28 August 2020 from complications related to colon cancer, with his wife and family by his side. He was 43 years old.
Why did Lupita Nyong'o post a tribute to Chadwick Boseman?
Lupita Nyong'o shared the tribute on Instagram to mark the sixth death anniversary of her Black Panther co-star on 28 August 2025. She posted photographs of the two together and wrote a message urging people to cherish and express love for those close to them.
When was Chadwick Boseman diagnosed with cancer?
Boseman was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016. The disease progressed to stage IV before 2020. He never spoke publicly about his diagnosis and continued working through surgeries and chemotherapy.
What were Chadwick Boseman's most notable roles?
Boseman is best known for playing T'Challa / Black Panther in the MCU across four films between 2016 and 2019. He also portrayed Jackie Robinson in 42, James Brown in Get on Up, and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall.
What awards did Chadwick Boseman receive posthumously?
Boseman received a posthumous Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance for his role in the animated series What If...?, which was his final performance as T'Challa.
