Fans, friends and family gathered in Los Angeles on Thursday to honor the late Chadwick Boseman, who received a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The emotional ceremony, which drew celebrities and admirers of the beloved actor, was accompanied by the declaration of “Chadwick Boseman Day” in Hollywood.
Among the speakers were his Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom co-star Viola Davis, Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, and Boseman’s widow Taylor Simone Ledward Boseman, each delivering heartfelt tributes to the legendary performer.
Viola Davis: “I have to believe that Chadwick is still alive”
Viola Davis reflected on her final project with Boseman, noting that they worked together on the award-winning Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom shortly before his passing in 2020.
“I have to believe that Chadwick is still alive,” Davis said. “I can’t use the word ‘gone’ or ‘death’ when thinking about him.”
Davis described Boseman as a “mighty elixir” whose spirit and conversations revealed deep contemplation during his final months.
She added:
“This star, as beautiful as it is on the Walk of Fame, shines a whole lot less brighter than Chadwick is in heaven.”
Ryan Coogler: “He was an incredible leader”
Ryan Coogler, who directed Boseman in Black Panther, struggled to speak through emotion as he honored his friend.
“When I think of Chadwick Boseman, I think of three things: leadership, teaching and generosity,” he said. “He was an incredible leader.”
Coogler shared stories from their early days working together, including a humorous moment when Boseman managed to slip past major stars like Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone during a press tour—just to meet privately with Coogler about Black Panther.
“I asked him how he got past everybody and he smiled and said, ‘That was the Panther.’”
Taylor Simone Ledward Boseman: “We cement your legacy as a hero and icon”
Boseman’s widow, Taylor Simone Ledward Boseman, offered a powerful tribute:
“Chad, today we recognize a lifetime of artistry. We recognize your skill and your devotion and we cement your legacy as a hero and icon.”
She highlighted his humility, courage, and unwavering commitment to truth. She then invited Boseman’s brothers, Derrick and Kevin Boseman, to help unveil the star.
Celebrating a Legacy That Transformed Hollywood
Chadwick Boseman, who died in 2020 at age 43 following a private battle with colon cancer, leaves behind an extraordinary body of work. He is best known for portraying King T’Challa in Black Panther and the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as his acclaimed roles as:
- Thurgood Marshall in Marshall
- James Brown in Get On Up
- Jackie Robinson in 42
- His Academy Award-nominated performance in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
The Hollywood Walk of Fame star stands as a permanent tribute to a man whose artistry, leadership and humanity left an indelible mark on audiences around the world.