The Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman may have passed on last year but his legacy remains forever.
At the 30th Annual IFP Gotham Awards, his widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, revealed how proud she was of his accomplishments before his tragic demise. The award is hosted by the Independent Filmmaker Project.
She accepted an honor on his behalf before delivering a powerful speech about the late Chadwick’s “practice of telling the truth.”
The Gotham award was a virtual ceremony hosted in New York City on Monday, January 11. The award honoured Chadwick with the Actor Tribute, while his Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom co-star Viola Davis received the Actress Tribute.
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He was also nominated for Best Actor for his role in Rainey, but that prize went to Sound of Metal’s Riz Ahmed, who lauded Chadwick’s performance in his acceptance speech.
Chadwick Boseman passed away at the age of 43 in August 2021 following a battle with colon cancer. He was known for his stirring performances in films like the Jackie Robinson biopic 42, the James Brown story Get on Up, and the Thurgood Marshall docudrama Marshall.
“As an artist, an actor, and a person, Chad made a practice of telling the truth,” she said. “He is the most honest person I’ve ever met. Because he didn’t just stop at speaking the truth, he actively searched for it—in himself, in those around him, and in the moment. The truth can be a very easy thing for the self to avoid, but if one does not live in truth, then it’s impossible to live in line with a divine purpose for your life. And so, it became how he lived his life, day in, day out. Imperfect, but determined.”
She concluded by thanking God for “giving Chad these gifts, and instilling the strength to bear its weight.” She then added, “Chad, thank you. I love you. I am so proud of you. Keep shining your light on us.“
Yeah The chap is resting in peace.
Contine to rest in peace, Chadwick.