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A photo of late actor Chadwick Boseman was placed on an easel before the unveiling of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, as per the Reuters report. Friends, family and fans gathered in Los Angeles to honor Boseman as he received a posthumous star on the Walk of Fame.

Thursday was officially declared “Chadwick Boseman Day” in Hollywood. Three key speakers — Viola Davis, Ryan Coogler, and Boseman’s widow Taylor Simone Ledward Boseman — delivered emotional tributes during the ceremony.

Viola Davis tribute to Chadwick Boseman

Viola Davis, his costar in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” said, “I have to believe that Chadwick is still alive… I can’t use the word ‘gone’ or ‘death’ really when thinking about him.” Boseman died in 2020 at age 43 after a private battle with colon cancer.

Emotional memories of Chadwick Boseman day

Davis said they worked on “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” shortly before he passed and remembered how he often talked deeply about the “cap of success”, as stated by CNN report. She said Boseman had the type of conversations people have when they feel they “possibly are transitioning.” Davis called him a “mighty mighty elixir that sort of stirred up the alchemy that we’re all in search of, which is meaning.”

She added, “I celebrate him today… I hope all the angels in heaven just sang him to a beautiful rest.” Davis thanked him for leaving her with a “burning ember” that guides her toward deeper purpose in her work.She ended her tribute saying, “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 speech

Ryan Coogler, Boseman’s “Black Panther” director and close friend, warned the crowd that he might get emotional while speaking. Coogler said, “When I think of Chadwick Boseman I think of three things: leadership, teaching and generosity. He was an incredible leader”, as per the report by CNN. Coogler called Boseman “ageless” and joked that he didn’t know the actor’s real age until attending one of his birthdays.

Coogler shared a story from a 2015 “Creed” press tour where Boseman managed to slip past major stars like Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordan reached his hotel room. Boseman visited him secretly to talk about the possibility of working together on “Black Panther”. Coogler said he asked Boseman how he got past everyone and Boseman replied with a smile, “That was the Panther.”

Family tribute to Chadwick Boseman legacy

Boseman’s widow Taylor Simone Ledward Boseman closed the ceremony with a heartfelt speech. She said, “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 continued, “You lived with honor and you walked in truth. You were as brilliant as you were beautiful and as courageous as you were kind”, as reported by CNN. She added, “We love you, we miss you and we thank you.” She invited Boseman’s brothers, Derrick and Kevin Boseman, to help unveil the star.

Boseman’s career included iconic roles such as T’Challa in “Black Panther,” plus roles in other Marvel films. He was also nominated for an Academy Award for “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” Before Marvel, Boseman portrayed major historical figures like Thurgood Marshall, James Brown, and Jackie Robinson, building a strong and respected career.

FAQs

Q1. Why did Chadwick Boseman get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

He received the honor to celebrate his powerful film career and his impact on fans, as shared during the ceremony.

Q2. Who spoke at Chadwick Boseman’s Walk of Fame ceremony?

Viola Davis, Ryan Coogler, and his wife Taylor Simone Ledward Boseman gave emotional tributes at the event.