Clinton mourns Boseman: ‘He was a hero on screen and off’

Hillary Clinton mourned the death of actor Chadwick Boseman on Saturday after the “Black Panther” star died this week from cancer.

“Colon cancer has taken too many young Black men too soon. I’m heartbroken for Chadwick Boseman’s family and friends, and for everyone who saw themselves in his roles,” Clinton tweeted Saturday. 

“He was a hero on screen and off. Sending comfort to everyone grieving,” she continued.

Colon cancer has taken too many young Black men too soon. I’m heartbroken for Chadwick Boseman’s family and friends, and for everyone who saw themselves in his roles. He was a hero on screen and off. Sending comfort to everyone grieving.

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 29, 2020

The actor was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer four years ago, according to a statement shared to the actor’s Twitter account Friday night.

“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy,” the statement said. “It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.” 

pic.twitter.com/aZ2JzDf5ai

— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020

Boseman’s death sparked a flood of tributes across social media, including from former President Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama on Saturday.

The former president retweeted a photo of himself and the actor that Boseman shared in 2016.

Obama wrote, “Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson. You could tell right away that he was blessed. To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years.” 

Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson. You could tell right away that he was blessed. To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years. https://t.co/KazXV1e7l7

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 29, 2020