In a moving ceremony on Thursday, loved ones and colleagues gathered to honor the late actor Chadwick Boseman with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking five years since his passing. Ryan Coogler at Chadwick Boseman Ceremony stood out for his heartfelt tribute, joined by Viola Davis, Boseman’s widow Taylor Simone Ledward Boseman, and celebrities including Michael B. Jordan, Letitia Wright, and Disney CEO Bob Iger, reflecting on Boseman’s life, his acclaimed work, and his influence.
Viola Davis Remembers the Actor’s Depth and Inspiration
Viola Davis, who worked alongside Boseman in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” delivered an emotional remembrance as the event opened, emphasizing how difficult it is to accept his absence.
“I have to believe that Chadwick is still alive. I can’t use the word gone or death, really,”
Davis began.
“When thinking about him, it’s like the quote, ‘When the last person who has a memory of you [dies] that’s when you’ll truly be dead.’”
—Viola Davis, Actress
Davis described their private conversations about art, identity, and the quest for purpose, quoting moments when she confided in Boseman about losing her sense of self outside acting.
“When I’m not acting, I don’t know who I am.”
—Viola Davis, Actress
She recalled the significance of Boseman’s djembe drum, a constant companion during filming, which he would fiercely defend even at the airport, valuing its importance to his process.
“Oh no, Viola, you can’t let that happen,”
Boseman would tell her, she recalled.
“What I do is I carry my djembe drum everywhere I go. I don’t care if it gets in the way of luggage. I don’t care if I have to argue with the airline stewardess of where I’m gonna put it. I need my drum.”
—Viola Davis, Actress recounting Chadwick Boseman
Davis described the drum as more than just an instrument—it was a symbol of Boseman’s spirit and connection to something greater. It echoed through film sets and represented his channeling of creativity and the divine.
“That djembe drum is a talking drum, he would play it on the set. You could hear it in his trailer. It was more than just a sound, it was more than just music, it resounded through the entire soundstage and he would play it fervently. Chadwick, you channeled the divine. You were a conduit.”
—Viola Davis, Actress
Davis’ tribute continued, focusing on how Boseman’s artistry brought comfort and courage to many by reminding them of their shared humanity.
“He reminded us that we are less alone.”
—Viola Davis, Actress
Expressing gratitude, Davis highlighted the profound personal and professional influence Boseman had on her and others in the film community, noting the enduring brilliance of his legacy.
“I thank him for what he left behind in me, which is a burning amber that always guides me to a higher meaning of my work and my purpose. This star, as beautiful as it is on the Walk of Fame, shines a whole lot less brighter than Chadwick does in heaven.”
—Viola Davis, Actress
Ryan Coogler’s Emotional Reflections on a Bond Forged in Film
Following Davis, Ryan Coogler, director of “Black Panther,” took to the stage and became visibly emotional as he reflected on his friendship and creative partnership with Boseman. Coogler described the initial awe he felt meeting Boseman, recalling the actor’s wisdom and presence.
“Chad felt thousands of years old. He was that calm and that wise,”
Coogler said, describing their first meeting away from the busy press circuit for “Creed,” which Boseman managed to arrange secretly for a private discussion about their upcoming collaboration.
“It was a very unnerving feeling to be around. Our first time together, we were completely alone. He somehow snuck into a hotel room I was in during a massive press tour for Creed. It was crawling with press, but he got by all of them for us to have a one-on-one meeting to talk about working together on Black Panther.”
—Ryan Coogler, Director
Boseman’s quiet confidence left an enduring mark, a sense Coogler later shared was vital to the spirit of “Black Panther.” The mystical energy Boseman brought to the role of T’Challa became a hallmark not just of the films, but of a cultural milestone.
After acknowledging the pain left by Boseman’s death, Coogler paid tribute to the uniqueness and symbolic significance Boseman held—not just as an actor, but as a source of light for those around him.
“We continue to carry him with us. Chad was a star deserving of a star on the Walk of Fame, but he was also our most incredible jewel. He reflected light, he refracted it, and when he did, he showed the greatness of our people, and the universe of our shared humanity. Thank you, Chad.”
—Ryan Coogler, Director
A Lasting Legacy in Film and Culture
Over his two-decade career, Chadwick Boseman received admirations for his roles in movies like “42,” “Da 5 Bloods,” and especially “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” with his portrayal of T’Challa in “Black Panther” becoming historic. As the first Black superhero to headline a Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Boseman broke longstanding barriers, inspiring new generations and shifting Hollywood’s perspective on representation.
T’Challa’s introduction began in “Captain America: Civil War” and led to Coogler’s standalone “Black Panther,” which set new box office records and became the first superhero film nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Boseman reprised his role in “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame,” and after his death in 2020, the “Black Panther” sequel was reimagined, honoring his memory and the power of his character.
The Enduring Impact of Chadwick Boseman’s Star
The Hollywood Walk of Fame star cements Chadwick Boseman’s significance not just as a performer, but as a symbol of courage, humility, and leadership for Black communities and the film world. Taylor Simone Ledward Boseman, Letitia Wright, Michael B. Jordan, and Bob Iger joined Ryan Coogler at Chadwick Boseman Ceremony, giving the celebration even greater meaning. The echoes of Boseman’s career—and the tributes led by Viola Davis and Ryan Coogler—promise that his spirit will continue to inspire and unite audiences for generations.
