Chadwick Boseman’s widow, Simone Ledward, was thrilled to pay tribute to him at the virtual / live hybrid Gotham Awards on Monday.
O Black Panther actor, who died of colon cancer in August at the age of 43, was honored at the event with the Actor Tribute award. First, André Holland, who appeared in the film 42 with Boseman, he spoke, talking about how Boseman “has always remained committed to his craft”. Then Ledward took his chance and took a look at the man she knew.
“He was the most honest person I have ever met, because he has not stopped speaking the truth: he has actively sought him out in himself and in the people around him and in the moment,” said Ledward, according to IndieWire. “The truth can be a very easy thing for you to avoid, but if the person does not live in the truth, it is impossible to live according to the divine purpose for his life. And that was how he lived his life, day after day. Imperfect, but determined. “
She continued: “In doing so, he was able to give himself fully in every moment, to be fully present in his own life and in the lives of the people he has become. He was blessed to live many lives within his concentrated life. He developed his understanding of what it meant to be the none, the one and the all. ‘A vase to be poured and placed,’ he said. “He took advantage of the power to let go and let God’s love shine … [He] it was not just telling a story or reading lines on a page, but shaping a path to true achievement.
Chadwick Boseman’s widow cries when she receives a Gotham award in her honor. “Chad, thank you,” says Simone Boseman. “Keep shining your light on us.” pic.twitter.com/jQidx0Yp6c
– Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) January 12, 2021
Ledward was thrilled to speak – especially when delivering a personal message when he was finished.
“It is an honor to receive this award on behalf of my husband. In recognition of not only your deep work, but also your impact on this industry and this world, ”she said,“ Chad, thank you, I love you. I am so proud of you. Keep your light shining on us. “
Boseman had also been nominated in the category of Best Actor thanks to his performance in Black Bottom by Ma Rainey, but the award went to Riz Ahmed for Sound of Metal.
Ledward’s marriage to Boseman was not made public until he died. They started dating in 2015 and became engaged in 2019. The wedding would have occurred before his death.
Boseman had been secretly battling colon cancer for four years, enduring many operations and treatments – and Ledward protected him.
“It’s fascinating that no one knew,” said Denzel Washington in December of working with Boseman on his latest film, Black Bottom by Ma Rainey. “Well, credit to him; he kept it to himself. It was nobody’s business. He was there to deliver and he delivered. Certain members of his team knew. His wife was there. They weren’t even married yet. And I used to watch how she took care of him, and I actually said to him, ‘Man, you know, you need to put a ring on that finger, because she kept an eye on him and she watched him. And I’m like, ‘Dude, she loves that guy.’ You know, but I didn’t know what we know now. “
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