Chadwick Boseman: Fans explain what ‘Black Panther’ meant to them

The highly-acclaimed “Black Panther” movie was released in February 2018 with a culturally-relevant soundtrack, creative costumes and an all-star cast, including the late Chadwick Boseman.

Boseman, whose death was announced Friday, starred as the film’s star, and many would argue the project was the most impactful role of his career.

In a February 2018 airing of “The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon,” the comedian producer and the actor stood behind a curtain while fans shared their thanks and admiration for the film. At the end of each homage, Boseman surprised fans and thanked them for their support and praise.

Here’s what some people had to say to Boseman:

“I just want to say thank you so much for making ’Black Panther.’ I can’t express how much it means to me and the community and my family. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart for all that you’ve done, for really being a hero that we really need in a time like this. Thank you so much.”

“It means a lot to see a movie that’s not, like, a ’Black movie,’ but it’s just a great American superhero movie with people that look like me.”

“For me, as the mother of a young son, my son’s childhood has been defined by Barack Obama and now Black Panther, so thank you.”

“As a creator, as an entrepreneur of color, just seeing this movie made me realize that our stories need to be told. There’s so many of us out here who are trying to create great things. I was just so inspired as someone who wants to make movies one day, wants to inspire people, that art can really change the world.”

“I absolutely loved [’Black Panther’] ... On a personal note, my father is African. He’s from Ghana. He’s a scientist. My mother, my sisters -- brilliant African American women. So basically, everything that represents me, was honored in this movie.”

“I am a Howard University student, and that is your alma mater. I am so, so, so very proud to say that a Bison ... is the Black Panther ... It was a big deal for me and my friends ... I just want to say thank you so much for showing us that there are avenues for us.”

“I want to thank you for making ’Black Panther’ for the kids. Representation is very important. It gives the kids hope.”

“Words can’t even describe what this movie has meant to me and to other Black people ... Wakanda forever.”

Boseman died at the age of 43 after battling colon cancer for four years. He also appeared as Jackie Robinson in 2013′s “42,” as James Brown in 2013′s “Get On Up,” as Thurgood Marshall in 2017′s “Marshall” and in multiple “Avengers” movies.

Cox Media Group