Shock, grief and words of appreciation after death of Chadwick Boseman

Fellow actors and others in the entertainment, sports and political worlds took to social media and issued statements to mourn the loss of Chadwick Boseman, who died of cancer Friday at 43.

“He was a gentle soul and a brilliant artist, who will stay with us for eternity through his iconic performances over his short yet illustrious career. God bless Chadwick Boseman.” — Denzel Washington statement

“Chadwick.....no words to express my devastation of losing you. Your talent, your spirit, your heart, your authenticity........It was an honor working beside you, getting to know you....Rest well prince...May flights of angels sing thee to thy heavenly rest. I love you!” — Viola Davis on Instagram

“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.” — Angela Bassett on Instagram

“I don’t have words. Rest In Peace, Bruh. Thank you for all you did while you were here. Thank you for being a friend. You are loved. You will be missed.” — Sterling K. Brown on Twitter

“I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking. Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King.” — Chris Evans on Twitter

“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.” — Mark Ruffalo on Twitter

“THANK YOU @chadwickboseman for all you gave us. We needed it & will always cherish it! A talented & giving artist & brother who will be sorely missed.” — Samuel L. Jackson on Twitter

“This is a crushing blow.” — Jordan Peele on Twitter

“Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman’s family. Your legacy will live on forever.” — Marvel Studios on Instagram

“Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference.” — Sen. Kamala Harris on Twitter

“The true power of @ChadwickBoseman was bigger than anything we saw on screen. From the Black Panther to Jackie Robinson, he inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even super heroes.” — Joe Biden on Twitter

“We are devastated by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman. His transcendent performance in ’42′ will stand the test of time and serve as a powerful vehicle to tell Jackie’s story to audiences for generations to come.” — Major League Baseball on Twitter

“This broke me.” — Issa Rae on Twitter

“i will miss you, birthday brother. you were always light and love to me. my god.” — Don Cheadle on Twitter

“So stunned. Honored to have worked with @chadwickboseman early on. Truly an amazing man. God bless his wife and family in this difficult time. Rest In Peace, brother.” — Terry Crews on Twitter

“A warrior of light til the very end. A true king. I am without words. May he rise in power.” — Kerry Washington on Twitter

“I met you at the premier of 42 in Pittsburgh in 2013. Even though you were in the spotlight and all eyes were on you, I remember you saying, ‘I’m that one that’s starstruck by all of these athletes here.’ That’s the man you were. Humble. You will be missed.” — Andrew McCutchen on Twitter

“Just when you thought 2020 couldn’t get any worse... A deeply gifted man is gone too soon. His memory will blaze on fiercely... from here to eternity.” — Mark Hamill on Twitter

“Hard to hear about this. Rest in love, brother. Thank you for shining your light and sharing your talent with the world. My love and strength to your family.” — Dwayne Johnson on Twitter

“Our makeup artists are friends and he used to get on the phone and ask me to sing ‘You Mean The World To Me’ because it was his favorite song of mine and now this song will be forever dedicated to him.” — Toni Braxton on Twitter

“In power. Eternally in power.” — Barry Jenkins on Twitter

“We love you, Chadwick. Your legacy will never die.” — Lena Waithe on Twitter

“An immeasurable loss. From ‘Black Panther’ to ‘Da 5 Bloods,’ Chadwick Boseman brought strength and light to the screen, every time.” — Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Twitter

“We’ve lost a great one. My heart is truly broken.” — Octavia Spencer on Instagram