Hollywood
In a tribute to Chadwick Boseman, the VMAs also ran clips of his 2018 acceptance speech, where he is seen accepting an award for his role as king T'Challa in Black Panther.
Updated : Aug 31, 2020, 08:10 AM IST | Edited by : Mugdha Kapoor
MTV dedicated its Video Music Awards show on Sunday to late actor Chadwick Boseman, by calling the Black Panther star a 'true hero'.
The 43-year-old actor, whose sudden demise left his fans, friends and colleagues 'devastated' and 'shocked', died of cancer on Friday (local time).
Actress, singer and host at this year's VMAs, Keke Palmer, dedicating the show to the late actor in the opening segment of the annual awards ceremony, in her monologue said, “an actor whose talent and passion is a true inspiration to all the fans he touched, and everyone he encountered.” “We dedicate tonight’s show to a man whose spirit touched so many,” she continued. “He’s a true hero, not just on screen, but everything he did. His impact lives forever.” Palmer added.
In a tribute to Boseman, the VMAs also ran clips of his 2018 acceptance speech, where he is seen accepting an award for his role as king T'Challa, leader of the fictional African kingdom Wakanda in Black Panther. Thereafter, they aired a black screen with the words Rest in Power.
Earlier, according to an official statement from the actor`s representatives, Boseman was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016. The actor died at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by his wife and other family members.
Hollywood expressed shock and grief over the sudden demise of actor Chadwick Boseman, remembering him for his legacy of work and leading cultural shift on the narrative.
"This is a crushing blow," tweeted Jordan Peele.
Actress Viola Davis, who was set to star with Boseman in Ma Rainey`s Black Bottom, wrote, "Chadwick, no words to express my devastation of losing you. Your talent, your spirit, your heart, your authenticity. It was an honour working beside you, getting to know you. Rest well prince. May flights of angels sing thee to thy heavenly rest. I love you."
Hulk superhero Mark Ruffalo said, "All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman. What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya. Rest in power, King."
"Absolutely heartbreaking. One of the kindest most genuine people I`ve met," Chris Hemsworth, who essayed Thor, wrote next to a picture with Boseman.
Boseman became a global star playing the titular superhero in the 2018 film, Black Panther. He also played the role in Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. His 'Avengers' co-stars also paid tribute to the actor.
Meanwhile, On Saturday, Twitter has announced that the last post by Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman is the most liked tweet. The tweet is a picture of the actor and his family`s announcement of his death.
"Most liked Tweet ever. A tribute fit for a King," the official Twitter account said, retweeting Boseman`s post. "#WakandaForever."
Boseman`s tweet, which was posted around 7 p.m. on Friday, had gained around two million retweets and more than 7.7 million likes till Saturday afternoon and it`s still counting.
Among the millions retweeting and liking the tweet were Hollywood stars, politicians and other public figures. Dwayne Johnson, Quinta Brunson and Natasha Rothwell retweeted Boseman`s post and added their own tribute to the "Da 5 Bloods" star.
(With inputs from Reuters, IANS)