The shocking death of actor Chadwick Boseman reverberated throughout the world as millions of fans struggled to fathom the tragic news. Cultural icons and public figures flocked to social media on Friday night to pay tribute to the man who had transformed into one of the brightest stars on the planet. 

One of the most moving tributes on Friday night came from Angela Bassett, who acted as the mother of Boseman’s character, T’Challa, in Black Panther. 

“It was meant to be for Chadwick and me to be connected, for us to be family," Bassett wrote on Instagram. 

The actress recalled the journey she shared with the cultural icon, starting with their connection to Howard University.

"When I received my honorary degree from Howard University, his alma mater, he was the student assigned to escort me that day," she wrote.

Bassett said Boseman reminded her about that moment during the premiere party for Black Panther.

"Here we were, years later as friends and colleagues, enjoying the most glorious night ever!" the actress said. "We’d spent weeks prepping, working, sitting next to each other every morning in makeup chairs, preparing for the day together as mother and son."

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“It was meant to be for Chadwick and me to be connected, for us to be family. But what many don’t know is our story began long before his historic turn as Black Panther. During the premiere party for Black Panther, Chadwick reminded me of something. He whispered that when I received my honorary degree from Howard University, his alma mater, he was the student assigned to escort me that day. And here we were, years later as friends and colleagues, enjoying the most glorious night ever! We’d spent weeks prepping, working, sitting next to each other every morning in makeup chairs, preparing for the day together as mother and son. I am honored that we enjoyed that full circle experience. This young man’s dedication was awe-inspiring, his smile contagious, his talent unreal. So I pay tribute to a beautiful spirit, a consummate artist, a soulful brother…”thou aren’t not dead but flown afar…”. All you possessed, Chadwick, you freely gave. Rest now, sweet prince.” #WakandaForever

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Actress Gabrielle Union shared a picture of Boseman with Kobe Bryant, another legend who was gone too soon.

Union continued her sentiments in another tweet.

"Truly a gentleman superstar on screen and in life," she wrote. "Pure excellence and class and grace."

Actress Ava DuVernay shared a symbolic image from Black Panther in which  T’Challa interacts with his ancestors as part of his transformation into a superhero.

"May you have a beautiful return, King," DuVernay wrote. "We will miss you so."

Boseman, whose last tweet was of a picture of himself and Kamala Harris, received a heartfelt tribute from the Democratic vice presidential nominee. 

"Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble," Harris, also a Howard alumna, wrote. "He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family."

Barack Obama also shared an anecdote about the actor who was the star of Jackie Robinson's biopic. In a painful irony, Chadwick's passing coincided with MLB's celebration of Jackie Robinson day as Yahoo News reports.  

"Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson," Obama wrote. "You could tell right away that he was blessed. To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years."

Presidential candidate Joe Biden articulated the legacy of a man who touched many lives in many ways. 

"The true power of Chadwick Boseman was bigger than anything we saw on screen," Biden said. "From the Black Panther to Jackie Robinson, he inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even super heroes. Jill and I are praying for his loved ones at this difficult time."

Tracee Ellis Ross thanked the actor for the impact he left on the Black community. 

"You told OUR stories," she said. "You reminded us that we are royal. Thank you for all you shared. A truly remarkable & kind person. You are walking with the ancestors now. Rest easy, rest in power & in peace, Chadwick. Sending so much love to his family & loved ones."

Issa Rae also seemingly struggled with news of his death during a tweet shared around the time news broke of his passing. 

According to a statement on his Twitter account, the 43-year-old actor had been battling colon cancer since 2016. He died at home with his family by his side. 

"A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you so many of the films you have come to love so much," the statement said. "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."

According to CNN, the South Carolina native graduated from Howard University in 2000. 

"It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of alumnus Chadwick Boseman who passed away this evening," University President Wayne A. I. Frederick said in a statement. "His incredible talent will forever be immortalized through his characters and through his own personal journey from student to superhero! Rest in Power, Chadwick!"

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