Chadwick Boseman, best known for playing the Marvel superhero Black Panther, died late last week after a long struggle with colon cancer.
While best known for his role in film, Mr Boseman is also being remembered for his deep devotion to God and his lifelong faith.
In a tribute to the actor, Black Panther director Ryan Coogler said: “After his family released their statement, I realised that he was living with his illness the entire time I knew him,” he continued “because he was a caretaker, a leader, and a man of faith, dignity and pride, he shielded his collaborators from his suffering. He lived a beautiful life. And he made great art.”
Mr Boseman attributed this “beautiful life” to God, quoting the Bible during a university commencement address in 2018: “God says in Jeremiah ‘I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’.”
Mr Boseman’s engagement with his Faith was stoked by his time as part of the Welfare Baptist Church in Benton, South Carolina.
Speaking about Chadwick Boseman before Black Panther’s premier in 2018, retired Pastor Samuel Neely recalled the actor’s early days.
“He did a lot of positive things within the Church and within the community,” he said. “With him singing in the choir, with him working the youth group, he always was doing something, always helping out, always serving. That was his personality.”
The church’s current pastor posted a statement on Facebook upon learning of Mr Boseman’s death.
“The Welfare Baptist Church will forever remember Chadwick as a homegrown talented young man who rose to superstardom and made us proud!…as we mourn his death and grieve alongside his family, we ask that you keep the Boseman and Welfare Church family in your thoughts and prayers! Rest well, Black Panther; Rest well!”