LOS ANGELES, California — Chadwick Boseman, the acclaimed actor celebrated for bringing iconic Black figures to life on screen, will be honored with a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 20, 2025, five years after his untimely death from colon cancer at age 43.
The dedication ceremony will be held at 6904 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles, and will feature tributes from Boseman’s collaborators, including director Ryan Coogler, who helmed Black Panther, and Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis, who starred alongside Boseman in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Boseman’s wife, Simone Ledward-Boseman, will accept the honor on his behalf. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on WalkOfFame.com, allowing fans worldwide to celebrate his legacy.
Celebrating an Extraordinary Legacy
“The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is deeply honored to celebrate Chadwick Boseman’s extraordinary legacy with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” said Ana Martinez, producer of the Walk of Fame, according to Billboard. “His powerful performances and enduring impact both on and off screen continue to inspire generations around the world.”
Boseman’s career was marked by portrayals of historic Black Americans, including legendary figures such as Jackie Robinson, James Brown, and Thurgood Marshall, in addition to his defining role as King T’Challa in Marvel’s Black Panther. His portrayals brought depth, integrity, and inspiration to audiences globally, cementing his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most respected and beloved actors.
Iconic Roles and Achievements
Boseman first gained widespread recognition in 2013 for playing Jackie Robinson in 42, chronicling the story of the first Black player in modern Major League Baseball. He followed this with standout performances as soul legend James Brown in Get On Up (2014) and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in Marshall (2017), a role that highlighted Marshall’s early legal career defending Joseph Spell, a Black man falsely accused of a crime.
Boseman’s portrayal of Levee Green in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom earned him a posthumous Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in 2021. The performance also garnered him Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and Critics Choice Awards, which were accepted by his wife after his passing. The film, adapted from August Wilson’s 1982 play, showcased Boseman’s ability to convey the complexity and humanity of his characters, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.
Tributes from Friends and Colleagues
Viola Davis reflected on Boseman’s life and legacy, emphasizing his approach to living fully:
“Lord knows we all would’ve wanted him to live another 50 years. But I can’t see his life tragically at all. He was always living in the moment, squeezing out every bit of life… it’s not the quantity, it’s the quality.”
Davis added that Boseman’s personal integrity matched his professional excellence, noting, “What I hold onto with Chad is that he lived his life his way. I would say his professional life absolutely paralleled his personal life, in terms of living with the utmost integrity.”
Ryan Coogler, who worked with Boseman on Black Panther, is also expected to speak at the ceremony, celebrating the actor’s profound influence on global pop culture and the Marvel universe.
Honoring a Cultural Icon
Chadwick Boseman’s influence extended beyond entertainment. Through his portrayals of historical and cultural figures, he inspired conversations about representation, racial equity, and excellence in art. His roles in Black Panther and historical biopics provided inspiration to young Black audiences worldwide, making him a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and dignity.
Boseman’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame will serve as a permanent reminder of his contributions to film, his advocacy for Black excellence, and his lasting impact on the global cultural landscape. Fans, colleagues, and admirers will gather to celebrate not only his legendary performances but also the integrity, passion, and humanity he brought to every role.
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