On Friday, August 28, actor Chadwick Boseman died at 43 after a four year battle with stage 4 colon cancer. His death left nothing but shock and sadness in its wake. It also brought a stifling realization that life is short and precious. Chadwick Boseman certainly made the most of it though.

During his last four years, he acted in the following films; Captain America: Civil War (2016) , Gods of Egypt (2016), Message from the King (2016), Marshall (2017), Black Panther (2018), Infinity War (2018), Endgame (2019), 21 Bridges (2019), and Da 5 Bloods (2020). He was also known for his role as Jackie Robinson in 42 (2013), James Brown in Get On Up (2014), and as his role in the football film Draft Day (2014) as Vontae Mack. These movies lit up the screen and sent audiences wild, especially the MCU films. They will be cherished and immortalized throughout the years to come.

Boseman was known for other things than just his acting, like his heart of gold. A few months before he died, he launched a campaign that would donate 4 million dollars to assist African American community hospitals. He also visited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis to see young cancer patients, bringing toys, joy, and words of encouragement for the patients. And through his role as T’Challa in Black Panther, he not only brought millions of black people all over the world the representation they so deserve on the big screen, but gave youth a superhero that they could look up to.

Soon after the shocking announcement had been released, social media blew up with people commenting about the tragedy and condolences to his wife and family.

Chris Evans, actor who plays Captain America, tweeted “I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking. Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I am endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King.”

Ryan Reynolds, actor who plays Deadpool, also tweeted, “Such a brutal loss. RIP, Chadwick.”

Mark Ruffalo, actor who plays the Hulk, tweeted “All I have say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of Chadwick Boseman. What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning, Lord love ya. Rest in power, King.”

Josh Gad, actor who plays Olaf, spoke on Instagram through tears, “You come upon people in your life who are next-level good. This was a man who was beyond talented and was so unbelievably giving not only as a performer but as a human being. Beyond just being Black Panther, Chadwick was T’Challa in real life, he was somebody who just gave and gave and gave and never stopped giving. 2020 has been so devastating for so many reasons — this one hurts because it’s taking away somebody who was honestly one of the greats.”

Don Cheadle, actor who plays War Machine/Rody, tweeted, “I will miss you, birthday brother. You were always light and love to me.”

Presidential candidate Joe Biden tweeted, “The true power of Chadwick was bigger than anything than anything we saw on screen. From Black Panther to Jackie Robinson, he inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want to be — even superheroes. Jill and I are praying for his loved ones at this difficult time.”

Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris also tweeted, “Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my condolences to his family.”

Though I didn’t know him personally by any stretch, this loss is still very saddening. As an MCU fan and a fan of several other movies that he acted in, I loved his characters and the revolution as well as the diversity he brought, particularly with his role as Black Panther. He was such a talent and no less a wonderful person. He will be missed by not only me, but the world. Rest in power, King. You have made the world a better place.

Fearlessness means taking the first step, even if you don’t know where it will take you. It means being driven by a higher purpose, rather than by applause. It means knowing that you will reveal your character when you stand apart, more than when you stand with the crowd. -Chadwick Boseman