Denzel Washington has paid tribute to Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman and described him as a ‘gentle soul and a brilliant artist.
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The two-time Academy Award winner told The Hollywood Reporter: “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.”
Washington, 65, and Boseman had a close bond, with the Black Panther star often speaking about how the Training Day star funded the program that sent him to acting school.
In 2018, Chadwick said he may not have gotten to where he is now without Washington’s help. He also shared more about the story during his appearance on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.
Last year, Chadwick spoke at the American Film Institute dinner honoring Washington with a lifetime achievement award.
He told Washington and the rest of the viewers: “I know personally that your generosity extends past what you have given on the stage and screen.
“Many of you already know the story that Mr. Washington, when asked by Phylicia Rashad to join her in assisting nine theater students from Howard University who had been accepted to a summer acting program at the British Academy of Dramatic Acting in Oxford.”
He continued: “He gracefully and privately agreed to contribute. As fate would have it, I was one of the students that he paid for.
“Imagine receiving a letter that your tuition for that summer was paid for and your benefactor was none other than the dopest actor on the planet.”
Chadwick added: “There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington.
“And not just because of me, but my whole cast. That generation stands on your shoulders.”
Chadwick Boseman passed away at the age of 43 after fighting against colon cancer for four years.
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