Before his passing from cancer in 2020, Chadwick Boseman performed one last act of generosity for a Make-A-Wish child.
The Black Panther actor’s death at 43 stunned and saddened fans worldwide, as he had kept his colon cancer diagnosis, received in 2016, private.
In a statement released by his family, they mentioned, “A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much.”
They continued, “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. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”
Though there are many celebrities in Hollywood who may not be as kind, Boseman was undeniably among the kind-hearted ones.
A Reddit discussion about the most ‘wholesome celebrity fact’ brought to light the touching story of Boseman’s kind deed, made even more significant by his own battle with cancer at the time.
One Redditor highlighted, “Chadwick Boseman dressing up in costume for make a wish kids – knowing he was going to die from cancer himself.”
Another user replied, “I didn’t know that and didn’t even think of it as a possibility. Time to be sad all over again,” and another added, “F**k, this one hits.”
Before his death, Boseman had texted Nate Moore, an executive producer on Black Panther, about the kind gesture.
Boseman and Moore had collaborated to send a special gift to a fan through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which aids critically ill children.
Moore shared with PEOPLE, “We worked together to get a young boy a voice note from T’Challa [Boseman’s character], as well as a package of toys – no easy feat when we weren’t allowed to leave our homes or go to the office.”
He added, “But Chad figured out how to make it work because he cared so intently, and in hindsight, so personally.”
Boseman’s final text to Moore, reflecting on the act of kindness, stated: “It broke me, man. But we need to do that for them. People deserve abundant life, special moments. They’ve been through hell battling disease.”
He concluded, “f we were able to ease their suffering and bring joy for a moment … then we made a difference in his life.”
If these issues have impacted you and you’d like to speak with someone confidentially, you can contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or through their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.