Chadwick Boseman was a great actor. Even though he’s not with us today, he has established his position in the industry—especially with his portrayal of T’Challa/Black Panther in MCU.
During his two-decade career, Boseman earned various accolades: Two Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award. With these awards, he also received an Academy Award nomination.
He had also secured a role that brought him global fame, surpassing competition from Hollywood icons Sidney Poitier and Denzel Washington.
Chadwick Boseman Outshined Hollywood Legends and Gained Global Recognition
Chadwick Boseman was lucky enough to establish his own identity. He avoided being labeled as “The Next Denzel” or “The Next Sidney Poitier” because he’s just Chadwick Boseman.
The late actor shared on The View (via The Washington Post) that Rachel Robinson (Jackie Robinson’s widow) informed him he secured the role of T’Challa by outlasting both Denzel Washington and Sidney Poitier in the lengthy process of bringing the film to fruition.
Initially, Robinson’s top choice for the film was Sidney Poitier. When that wasn’t feasible, Denzel Washington became the target. And when that didn’t also happen and Washington aged out of the role, it fell to Chadwick Boseman.
Sidney Poitier and Denzel Washington Think Highly of Chadwick Boseman
Denzel Washington has discussed his final collaboration with the late actor on the Oscar-winning 2020 film Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. He shared it in a new Variety cover story that he noticed the young actor’s health was declining. But didn’t know about it that time:
“He suffered quietly. He made the movie, and nobody knew. I didn’t know. He never said a peep about it. He just did his job. I wondered if something was wrong because he seemed weak or tired sometimes. We had no idea, and it was nobody’s business. Good for him, keeping it to himself.”
Though Boseman never worked with Sidney Poitier, the Poitier family released a statement on Boseman’s death, saying:
“How fortunate were we all to be blessed with the soul and works of this extraordinary human being, Chadwick Boseman. In his short life and brilliant career, he has left us with impactful reminders of who we are innately as a people — courageous, empathetic, steadfast, honorable, smart, strong, in body and in mind — trailblazers… in the worst of times and in the best of times. Thank you, Chadwick, for, yet again, reminding the world how a life filled with humanity and purpose truly elevates us all. Rest well.”
No doubt, Chadwick Boseman’s career stands as an incredible legacy. He left the film industry and left an indelible mark. His inspiring performances coupled with his revival of the importance of black history, show he will be remembered for generations to come.
