Chadwick Boseman Bio: Wife, Age, Movies, Cause of Death, Parents, Children, Height, Last Photo

Biography

Chadwick Aaron Boseman, born in 1976 and passed away in 2020, was a celebrated American actor and producer best known for his groundbreaking role as T’Challa in Black Panther (2018), the first Black superhero to lead an MCU film.

Born in Anderson, South Carolina, he graduated from Howard University and began his theatre career before rising to fame with powerful portrayals of historical icons like Jackie Robinson in 42 (2013) and James Brown in Get On Up (2014).

Known for his commitment to authentic storytelling, Boseman left an indelible mark on cinema. He passed away in 2020 after a private battle with colon cancer, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration.

American actor
Chadwick Boseman
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Chadwick Aaron Boseman
Stage Name:	Chadwick Boseman
Born:	29 November 1976 (age 43 years old)
Place of Birth:	Anderson, South Carolina, United States
Died:	28 August 2020 (age 43 years), Los Angeles, California, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	T.L. Hanna High School, Howard University
Height:	183 cm
Parents:	Leroy Boseman, Carolyn Boseman
Siblings:	Derrick Boseman, Kevin Boseman
Spouse:	Taylor Simone Ledward Boseman (m. 2019-2020)
Girlfriend • Partner:	Regina Hall (2018)
Children:	N/A
Occupation:	Actor • Film Producer
Net Worth:	$12 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Chadwick Aaron Boseman was born on November 29, 1976, in Anderson, South Carolina, USA. Of African American heritage, genealogical research traced his ancestry to the Limba and Mende people of Sierra Leone and the Yoruba people of Nigeria. Raised in a Christian household, Boseman remained deeply connected to his faith throughout his life, often crediting his Baptist upbringing for shaping his values and perspective.

His parents, Carolyn Boseman (née Mattress) and Leroy Boseman were instrumental in his upbringing. Carolyn worked as a nurse, while Leroy was a textile worker who later ran an upholstery business. Chadwick was the youngest of three children, with two older brothers, Derrick Boseman and Kevin Boseman. Growing up in the close-knit community of Anderson, he was instilled with strong working-class values and a deep appreciation for his cultural roots.

Boseman attended T.L. Hanna High School, where he excelled academically and developed an early passion for the arts, mainly writing and storytelling. A turning point came when a tragic incident involving a classmate inspired him to write his first play, Crossroads, igniting his interest in performance and storytelling.

After graduating in 1995, he pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing at Howard University, a historically Black institution in Washington, D.C. Under the mentorship of acclaimed actress Phylicia Rashad, he refined his craft and deepened his artistic vision.

To further his training, Boseman attended a summer program at the British American Drama Academy in Oxford, England, where he expanded his understanding of theatre and performance. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his groundbreaking career in film and television.

Career

Chadwick Boseman’s career was defined by versatility, dedication, and a deep commitment to portraying culturally significant characters. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing from Howard University in 2000, he initially focused on writing and directing, sharpening his theatre skills.

He relocated to New York City, where he worked as a playwright and instructor at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem while also taking on small acting roles.

His early television career featured guest appearances in Third Watch (2003), Law & Order (2004), and CSI: NY (2006), providing experience but little recognition. However, his persistence led to recurring roles in Lincoln Heights (2008–2009) and Persons Unknown (2010), helping him gain momentum as a rising talent.

Boseman’s breakthrough came in 2013 when he starred as baseball legend Jackie Robinson in 42. His powerful performance captured Robinson’s resilience and restraint, earning widespread acclaim and establishing him as a serious actor. This trend continued in Get On Up (2014), where he portrayed James Brown with electrifying energy, undergoing intense training to master Brown’s signature dance moves and vocal style.

His career reached new heights in 2016 when he made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut as T’Challa, the Black Panther, in Captain America: Civil War. His regal, commanding portrayal resonated with audiences, paving the way for the groundbreaking 2018 standalone film Black Panther.

Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film became a global sensation, grossing over $1.3 billion and earning seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture—a first for a superhero movie. Boseman’s performance cemented him as a cultural icon and a symbol of Black excellence in cinema. He reprised the role in Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019), the latter becoming the highest-grossing film of all time at its release.

Outside of the MCU, Boseman continued showcasing his range. He played Thurgood Marshall in Marshall (2017), embodying the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice with depth and conviction. He also starred in and produced the action thriller 21 Bridges (2019), expanding his creative influence.

His final performance in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) was widely lauded, earning him a Golden Globe and a posthumous Academy Award nomination. Filmed while he privately battled colon cancer, his portrayal of the ambitious trumpeter Levee was a raw, emotionally charged testament to his talent and resilience, solidifying his enduring legacy.

Social Media

• Wikipedia: Chadwick Boseman
• IMDb: Chadwick Boseman
• Instagram: Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman)
• Facebook: Chadwick Boseman
• Twitter: Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) / X

Personal Life

Chadwick Boseman was born on November 29, 1976, and passed away on August 28, 2020, at the age of 43.

Boseman was married to Taylor Simone Ledward Boseman, a singer and graduate of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. The couple kept their relationship discreet, and it was only revealed posthumously that they had wed in a private ceremony sometime before October 2019, likely in early 2020, as he faced his battle with colon cancer.

Ledward remained by his side throughout his illness, and Boseman’s family recognized her as his wife in the statement announcing his passing. He had no previous marriages, and the couple had no children. Standing at 6 feet (183 cm), Boseman‘s strong presence complemented his on-screen roles.

The two were first publicly linked in 2015, appearing together at various events, including the Get On Up premiere. Their relationship grew over the years, with appearances at red carpet events such as the 2019 NAACP Image Awards, though Boseman rarely discussed it in interviews.

Prior to Ledward, Boseman was rumoured to have dated actress Regina Hall in 2018.

Net Worth

Chadwick Boseman’s net worth at the time of his death on August 28, 2020, was estimated to be around $12 million, according to various sources like Celebrity Net Worth.

He amassed his wealth primarily through his successful acting career, with significant earnings from blockbuster films like Black Panther (2018), which grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide. For his role as T’Challa, Boseman reportedly earned a base salary of $2 million plus a share of the film’s profits, boosting his income considerably.

Additional earnings came from roles in 42 (2013), Get On Up (2014), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), and 21 Bridges (2019), which he also produced. Despite his wealth, Boseman lived a relatively modest and private life, focusing on his craft and philanthropy rather than extravagance.

After his passing, his estate was valued at approximately $3.5 million in probate court, though this figure reflects only assets subject to probate and not his full financial legacy, as some assets may have been held in trusts or passed directly to his wife, Taylor Simone Ledward.

Filmography

Movies

• The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008) – Floyd Little
• 42 (2013) – Jackie Robinson
• Get On Up (2014) – James Brown
• Draft Day (2014) – Vontae Mack
• Gods of Egypt (2016) – Thoth
• Captain America: Civil War (2016) – T’Challa / Black Panther
• Message from the King (2016) – Jacob King (also executive producer)
• Marshall (2017) – Thurgood Marshall (also co-producer)
• Black Panther (2018) – T’Challa / Black Panther
• Avengers: Infinity War (2018) – T’Challa / Black Panther
• Avengers: Endgame (2019) – T’Challa / Black Panther
• 21 Bridges (2019) – Andre Davis (also producer)
• Da 5 Bloods (2020) – Norman Earl Holloway
• Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) – Levee Green

TV Shows

• All My Children (2003) – Reggie Porter Montgomery (recurring role)
• Third Watch (2003) – David Wafer (Episode: “In Lieu of Flowers”)
• Law & Order (2004) – Foster Keyes (Episode: “Can I Get a Witness?”)
• CSI: NY (2006) – Rondo (Episode: “Heroes”)
• ER (2008) – Derek Taylor (Episode: “Oh, Brother”)
• Lincoln Heights (2008–2009) – Nathaniel “Nate” Ray Taylor (9 episodes)
• Cold Case (2008) – Dexter “Dex” Collins ‘66 (Episode: “Street Money”)
• Lie to Me (2009) – Cabe McNeil (Episode: “Truth or Consequences”)
• The Glades (2010) – Michael Richmond (Episode: “Honey”)
• Persons Unknown (2010) – Sergeant Graham McNair (13 episodes)
• Detroit 1-8-7 (2011) – Tommy Westin (Episode: “Beaten/Cover Letter”)
• Castle (2011) – Chuck Ward (Episode: “Poof! You’re Dead”)
• Fringe (2011) – Mark Little / Cameron James (Episode: “Subject 9”)
• Justified (2012) – Ralph “Flex” Beasley (Episode: “For Blood or Money”)

Theater

• Deep Azure (2005) – Written by Chadwick Boseman, performed at the Congo Square Theatre Company in Chicago
• Crossroads (circa 1993) – Written by Boseman during high school, his first known play

Short Films

• Heaven (2012) – Role unknown (short film)
• The Kill Hole (2012) – Lt. Samuel Drake

Other Work

• Producer Credits: Boseman served as an executive producer for Message from the King (2016), a co-producer for Marshall (2017), and a producer for 21 Bridges (2019), showcasing his interest in shaping narratives behind the camera.

Posthumous Releases

• Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) and Da 5 Bloods (2020) were released after his death, with Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom earning him posthumous awards and nominations, including a Best Actor Oscar nomination.