How The 2020 MTV Movie And TV Awards Honored Chadwick Boseman
When Chadwick Boseman passed away in August 2020, his death undeniably rocked Hollywood. Boseman lost his long battle with colon cancer on Aug. 28, 2020, at the age of 43. All untimely deaths are tragic, but Boseman's hit particularly hard. The gifted actor nabbed numerous unforgettable roles over the course of his career, but he found unparalleled success as T'Challa in 2018's Black Panther. As the most diverse superhero movie to date, Black Panther was a box-office success, and Boseman's critically-acclaimed performance solidified his status as an A-list actor.
Boseman left behind wife Taylor Simone Ledward, whom he reportedly married in secret some time in 2020. Besides leaving behind a loving wife and family, Boseman is mourned by hordes of fans who loved him for his performances and his gentle demeanor. Boseman dedicated quite a bit of his time to helping others — even while fighting colon cancer. Throughout 2020, he threw himself into raising awareness of the dangers of the coronavirus pandemic. For those reasons — and so many more — it's no wonder he's remembered as a hero and was honored as one at the 2020 MTV Movie and TV Awards. Read on to learn more about the emotional tribute.
Chadwick Boseman's co-stars remember him as a hero
After playing the titular role in Black Panther, it's only fitting that Chadwick Boseman is remembered as the hero he was. Boseman was honored with the Hero of the Ages Award at the 2020 MTV Movie and TV Awards, per Entertainment Tonight. Two of Boseman's fellow Avengers co-stars, Robert Downey Jr. and Don Cheadle, presented the award via a pre-recorded tribute to the late actor.
"The second you first saw him on screen or had the opportunity to meet him in person, his energy and intensity was undeniable," Downey Jr, who was visibly emotional, said (via ET). "There was something different and special about Chadwick Boseman." Cheadle added, "He had an incredible power to unify people in their love for his work and their respect for him as a person. The way he lived his life united people behind a higher purpose, and that will be his legacy."
"And he wasn't just a hero on screen. His list of selfless inspirational acts and deeds is too long to recount here," Downey Jr. concluded. "He was the most heroic when he was just being Chad. That's when he was bigger than anyone he played on screen."