Chadwick Boseman Is A Role Model For All Of Us
I never saw myself writing a post about a movie star.
I’m at best a modest movie buff, choosing to see only select movies and only occasionally consuming select media content about movies/actors/directors. I confess I’ve seen only two movies starring Chadwick Boseman. ‘Black Panther’ got a trek to the theater as it was an action movie warranting a very big screen, one that I was keen on seeing because of the great reviews, the global excitement it was generating, and the fact that it was directed by Ryan Coogler (I’d see any movie directed by him after watching ‘Fruitvale’) and it also starred Michael B. Jordan (I’d see any movie with him in it). Then I saw ‘Marshall’ on a plane ride, because I’d already seen Chadwick Boseman in the Black Panther and it was so good I even forgot I was watching it on a tiny screen.
On his sudden, unexpected death a couple of weeks ago, I read more about the man he was, much-loved and admired for his gentle spirit, caring heart and brilliance. But what stunned me was learning that he had received a diagnosis of Stage 3 colon cancer back in 2016 and he continued working on his most important movies, with no mention of his illness until his death.
“You are not defined by what happens to you but how you react to it” — Epictetus.
Most people, when they receive a diagnosis of Stage 3 cancer are likely to shift their focus to taking care of themselves, undergoing treatments and checking off their bucket list.
But Chadwick realized he had a gift, and decided to dedicate himself to using that gift in making as many amazing, high-impact movies he could after his diagnosis — that was his bucket list.
Another amazing thing was how Chadwick kept his illness secret. This was a world-renowned movie star, the kind whose every move is automatic fodder to the media mill, yet he did not publicize one of the most important happenings in his life on social media. He didn’t let it be known to anyone other than those in a very small, private and deservedly trusted circle — even his directors and co-stars found out only after his death.
Chadwick avoided publicity because he wanted to focus on what was important to him and not get sidetracked by pity, sympathy or the intense gaze of media publicity on his health.
The general public doesn’t know what thought processes he went through, but it is clear that Chadwick prioritized what mattered to him: make impactful movies that will inspire and move millions and, of course, endure the excruciating treatments to help him make those movies. And that’s what he did, taking on Black Panther which was a physically demanding role where Chadwick needed to display a high level of fitness and agility — something that must have been extremely painful to do. For four years (2016–2020), battling cancer without revealing it, he made eight movies and several TV appearances, and left an indelible mark not only on cinematic history but in people’s hearts.
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears” — Nelson Mandela
Chadwick Boseman did not make random movies in those last four years of his life. Apparently (according to his costar and friend, Michael B. Jordan), he was very particular about choosing roles. Chadwick used his gift for acting to select movies that could have a huge impact on the way Blacks view themselves and the way the world views them. Chadwick played the fictitious Black Panther of course, and also chose the roles of Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson and James Brown, giving the world an inspiring body of work about extraordinary Black lives.
After Chadwick’s unexpected and untimely death, a long list of august celebrities posted tributes like this from Oprah “a gentle, gifted soul”, from Denzel Washington “a brilliant artist”, from Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige “as smart and kind and powerful and strong as any person he portrayed” and a posthumous note from Michael B. Jordan “You cared about the kids, the community, our culture and humanity” and “I now understand how much of a legend and hero YOU are”.
So why a role model, not just a hero?
Young kids dream of being like their heroes. They will be inspired by Chadwick’s performance as Black Panther and run around in capes playing a brave, young Black hero for generations, and more power to them. That is just one wonderful outcome of his work. But adults usually tend to distance themselves from heroes, making heroes exceptional and legendary, people to admire but not necessarily those an ordinary person can emulate. But a role model gives us a blueprint to follow if we choose to.
For those who seriously want to do what they truly care about, Chadwick Boseman is a striking role model, doing what was of paramount importance to him regardless of the circumstances he found himself in — and they were pretty dire indeed.
“Happiness comes when your work and words are of benefit to yourself and others” — Jack Kornfield distilling the Buddha
All of us may not have the capacity to have a global impact like Chadwick did, but all of can have some impact, make some difference for good. Even if it’s only for one person there will be a ripple effect spreading out from it. (While this post is oriented towards people wanting to do something that will be helpful to others, if your passion is something that helps just you, that is okay too — as long as it causes no harm to anyone else!)
Here’s what I learned from Chadwick Boseman’s story:
- If there’s something important you want to do, don’t wait for a better time, start doing it — and enjoying the satisfaction it brings — now. You never know what the future brings.
- Focus on your priorities. Whatever it is you want to do, keep that high on your list so you’ll be able to devote the necessary time and energy to it, and make that easier to accomplish by giving up comparing yourself to others or chasing after popularity.
- Age or stage of life should not stop you. Teens like Greta Thunberg are inspiring other teens (like this one I know) and many older people are out there giving back as long as they can, whenever and wherever they can even while their years are winding down (a couple I know started a nonprofit in their sixties and in their eighties, are still at it, helping others).
- Unfavorable circumstances may be overcome, so figure out if there’s a way to give it a shot. You will get much satisfaction and fulfillment if it’s possible to do what you care about to some extent, however small.
- Humility is an awesome trait worth cultivating.
Barack Obama’s tribute tweet included this: “…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”. That says it all.
Gratitude to Chadwick Boseman, hero and role model who created enduring impact with his powerful movies and the inspiring lessons of “the use of his years”.
