1 00:00:01,792 --> 00:00:04,416 ♪ We will never break ♪ 2 00:00:04,418 --> 00:00:07,167 ♪ We will never break ♪ 3 00:00:07,169 --> 00:00:10,226 ♪ Built on a foundation ♪ 4 00:00:10,228 --> 00:00:13,178 - ♪ Strong enough to stay ♪ - Good evening everyone, I'm Robin Roberts. 5 00:00:13,180 --> 00:00:16,414 You just saw that ground-breaking film Black Panther, 6 00:00:16,416 --> 00:00:20,252 and the dynamic, soulful performance of Chadwick Boseman, 7 00:00:20,254 --> 00:00:23,822 a superhero who took a whole new generation of kids 8 00:00:23,824 --> 00:00:26,558 and kids at heart like me and, hopefully, you, too, 9 00:00:26,560 --> 00:00:29,628 into a brave new world. 10 00:00:29,630 --> 00:00:32,831 That's why it's so very painful to be here tonight 11 00:00:32,833 --> 00:00:35,100 honoring a life and a light 12 00:00:35,102 --> 00:00:37,569 that should have gone on for decades to come, 13 00:00:37,571 --> 00:00:40,939 a life that has now been cut short at just 43 14 00:00:40,941 --> 00:00:44,943 after a valiant four-year battle with colon cancer. 15 00:00:44,945 --> 00:00:46,611 When we heard about his passing, 16 00:00:46,613 --> 00:00:50,682 many of us could not put into words what that loss meant. 17 00:00:50,684 --> 00:00:54,452 But there's one image that captured the feeling. 18 00:00:54,454 --> 00:00:57,591 It was a loss of a king, King T'Challa. 19 00:00:58,725 --> 00:01:02,260 Chadwick died on the same day Major League Baseball 20 00:01:02,262 --> 00:01:04,896 recognized as Jackie Robinson Day 21 00:01:04,898 --> 00:01:07,487 and on the same day of the 57th anniversary 22 00:01:07,489 --> 00:01:09,501 of the March on Washington. 23 00:01:09,503 --> 00:01:11,570 At this moment in our country's history, 24 00:01:11,572 --> 00:01:14,339 as thousands from all backgrounds protest 25 00:01:14,341 --> 00:01:16,474 in a demand for social justice, 26 00:01:16,476 --> 00:01:19,044 Chadwick Boseman played an instrumental role 27 00:01:19,046 --> 00:01:21,613 in defining the current culture. 28 00:01:21,615 --> 00:01:24,049 He's already played some of the greats in Black history, 29 00:01:24,051 --> 00:01:27,519 Jackie Robinson, James Brown, Thurgood Marshall 30 00:01:27,521 --> 00:01:31,223 and then made history as the first Black superhero 31 00:01:31,225 --> 00:01:32,891 in his own movie. 32 00:01:32,893 --> 00:01:36,862 So, tonight, we honor that incredible life and legacy, 33 00:01:36,864 --> 00:01:40,332 a celebration fit for a king. 34 00:01:40,334 --> 00:01:41,969 Here's Deborah Roberts. 35 00:01:45,739 --> 00:01:47,908 I didn't have enough time with Chadwick. 36 00:01:50,177 --> 00:01:53,881 I mean, it's a statement that I know everyone is making... 37 00:01:56,316 --> 00:02:00,919 and everyone can make because he was here far too short a time. 38 00:02:00,921 --> 00:02:05,724 Chadwick was a deeply kind and gentle person 39 00:02:05,726 --> 00:02:07,826 and very present and thoughtful, 40 00:02:07,828 --> 00:02:12,764 and those qualities are all so present in his work. 41 00:02:12,766 --> 00:02:15,267 ♪ We will never break ♪ 42 00:02:15,269 --> 00:02:20,405 He's a historical figure as the Black Panther 43 00:02:20,407 --> 00:02:25,546 but also such a good and decent human being. 44 00:02:26,580 --> 00:02:28,448 Chadwick, my friend, 45 00:02:29,416 --> 00:02:32,217 you will forever be remembered 46 00:02:32,219 --> 00:02:35,520 by your warm smile, your kind heart, 47 00:02:35,522 --> 00:02:39,193 and your fierce courageousness, your great adversity. 48 00:02:40,394 --> 00:02:44,563 You just wanted to follow the guy into anything, you know. 49 00:02:44,565 --> 00:02:47,901 From the moment Chadwick stepped on screen, 50 00:02:48,902 --> 00:02:49,935 he just bought it. 51 00:02:49,937 --> 00:02:54,439 He was always grace and humility personified. 52 00:02:54,441 --> 00:02:57,242 I know that I ride the coattails of his success, 53 00:02:57,244 --> 00:02:59,411 that I stand on his great shoulders. 54 00:02:59,413 --> 00:03:01,815 How you held yourself will live on. 55 00:03:02,818 --> 00:03:05,218 ♪ When we talk about forever ♪ 56 00:03:05,220 --> 00:03:08,320 ♪ Then forever's what we mean ♪ 57 00:03:08,322 --> 00:03:11,323 He gave all of us and all of our children 58 00:03:11,325 --> 00:03:15,861 an example of a great, gracious and humble leader. 59 00:03:15,863 --> 00:03:19,566 Thank you for inspiring us and the kids around the world. 60 00:03:20,504 --> 00:03:23,435 ♪ We will never break ♪ 61 00:03:23,437 --> 00:03:26,137 It's only fit to be mourning him like a king. 62 00:03:26,139 --> 00:03:31,042 Chadwick's legacy is almost too big to fully comprehend yet. 63 00:03:31,044 --> 00:03:34,813 The way he handled his life, and managing cancer 64 00:03:34,815 --> 00:03:37,415 with such humility and grace and dignity 65 00:03:37,417 --> 00:03:40,886 lets us all know that he truly was a superhero. 66 00:03:40,888 --> 00:03:42,487 I just love you, man. 67 00:03:42,489 --> 00:03:45,991 Have a wonderful journey wherever it is that you're going, 68 00:03:45,993 --> 00:03:47,592 and we're lucky to have you. 69 00:03:47,594 --> 00:03:50,362 This loss is felt around the world, 70 00:03:50,364 --> 00:03:54,132 people in every country. He was pretty amazing. 71 00:03:54,134 --> 00:03:56,570 He is "Wakanda Forever". 72 00:03:58,939 --> 00:04:00,372 Wakanda forever! 73 00:04:00,374 --> 00:04:02,307 ALL: Wakanda forever! 74 00:04:02,309 --> 00:04:04,109 ROBERTS: For a generation of kids, 75 00:04:04,111 --> 00:04:08,280 Chadwick Boseman is the defining image of a superhero. 76 00:04:08,282 --> 00:04:09,314 Yield! 77 00:04:09,316 --> 00:04:10,348 (INDISTINCT SHOUTING) 78 00:04:10,350 --> 00:04:13,251 ROBERTS: Strong, powerful, and Black, 79 00:04:13,253 --> 00:04:15,921 his iconic portrayal of the Black Panther 80 00:04:15,923 --> 00:04:18,590 sealing his place in history. 81 00:04:18,592 --> 00:04:21,226 Some people, they roll their eyes, and go, you know, 82 00:04:21,228 --> 00:04:22,961 "Come on, it was just a movie". 83 00:04:22,963 --> 00:04:25,931 You know, but was Rocky just a movie, or did it inspire? 84 00:04:25,933 --> 00:04:29,301 That's what Chadwick embodied specifically. 85 00:04:29,303 --> 00:04:33,605 He embodied an idea, a promise, a potential. 86 00:04:33,607 --> 00:04:38,977 You will be remembered, cherished, and loved in our hearts, 87 00:04:38,979 --> 00:04:42,414 not just for what he was able to offer on film, 88 00:04:42,416 --> 00:04:46,484 but what he was able to give as a human being. 89 00:04:46,486 --> 00:04:50,255 And it's not just a loss that we're feeling. 90 00:04:50,257 --> 00:04:52,993 We're going to feel his absence. 91 00:04:54,628 --> 00:04:56,428 His absence. 92 00:04:56,430 --> 00:04:59,865 ROBERTS: An artist, a movie star, a cultural hero. 93 00:04:59,867 --> 00:05:03,802 Boseman made his name portraying American icons. 94 00:05:03,804 --> 00:05:05,005 Jackie Robinson. 95 00:05:07,107 --> 00:05:08,442 James Brown. 96 00:05:10,277 --> 00:05:11,877 Thurgood Marshall. 97 00:05:11,879 --> 00:05:14,746 I thought back to all of those performances, 98 00:05:14,748 --> 00:05:16,915 and all those incredible people that he's played 99 00:05:16,917 --> 00:05:20,418 and I realize I don't think you can do it as convincingly as he did 100 00:05:20,420 --> 00:05:23,656 if he didn't possess that same grace in real life. 101 00:05:23,658 --> 00:05:25,092 You can't act that. 102 00:05:25,926 --> 00:05:29,561 ROBERTS: Just after his career reached stratospheric heights, 103 00:05:29,563 --> 00:05:32,030 a sudden and devastating blow. 104 00:05:32,032 --> 00:05:36,136 Boseman dying after a four-year battle with colon cancer. 105 00:05:37,738 --> 00:05:40,105 I'm just completely blown away 106 00:05:40,107 --> 00:05:44,409 about how this man was able to not only do as much work 107 00:05:44,411 --> 00:05:48,213 as he did while also battling colon cancer. 108 00:05:48,215 --> 00:05:51,383 I mean, you can't help but wonder if he was touched by God. 109 00:05:51,385 --> 00:05:52,984 ROBERTS: The news of his death 110 00:05:52,986 --> 00:05:55,954 shattering many of Hollywood's biggest names. 111 00:05:55,956 --> 00:05:59,660 You were the last person I thought would leave us. 112 00:06:00,761 --> 00:06:05,866 You were the last person I thought could leave us so soon. 113 00:06:09,002 --> 00:06:14,439 You're not just my friend, you're not just my hero, 114 00:06:14,441 --> 00:06:18,677 you were my superhero. You were my Black Panther. 115 00:06:18,679 --> 00:06:20,512 It's a tough loss. 116 00:06:20,514 --> 00:06:27,252 He had that power in his art to define a generation. 117 00:06:27,254 --> 00:06:29,421 He is... I mean, even... 118 00:06:29,423 --> 00:06:32,991 You know, he is that generation-defining actor. 119 00:06:32,993 --> 00:06:36,061 ROBERTS: Director Ryan Coogler releasing a statement saying, 120 00:06:36,063 --> 00:06:39,631 "I have to reckon with the fact that Chad is an ancestor now. 121 00:06:39,633 --> 00:06:42,901 And I know he'll watch over us until we meet again". 122 00:06:42,903 --> 00:06:45,270 I think, anytime he did anything publicly, 123 00:06:45,272 --> 00:06:49,908 you felt the weight and the gravitas 124 00:06:49,910 --> 00:06:52,344 that he brought to the roles he played 125 00:06:52,346 --> 00:06:54,513 as he applied them to the real world. 126 00:06:54,515 --> 00:06:56,515 ROBERTS: But Boseman's impact going 127 00:06:56,517 --> 00:06:58,950 far beyond the entertainment industry. 128 00:06:58,952 --> 00:07:02,454 President Obama and Michelle Obama posting their memories. 129 00:07:02,456 --> 00:07:04,299 The former First Lady writing, 130 00:07:04,301 --> 00:07:06,994 "I saw that Chadwick's brilliance on screen 131 00:07:06,996 --> 00:07:10,128 was matched by a warmth and sincerity in person". 132 00:07:10,130 --> 00:07:13,532 I can't think of an actor who would be considered 133 00:07:13,534 --> 00:07:17,435 more irreplaceable, less dispensable, 134 00:07:17,437 --> 00:07:23,441 more absolutely necessary right now than Chadwick Boseman. 135 00:07:23,443 --> 00:07:30,117 And so, that he's gone is a monumental loss for everyone. 136 00:07:32,920 --> 00:07:35,820 ROBERTS: Chadwick Boseman grew up in South Carolina, 137 00:07:35,822 --> 00:07:38,490 writing his first play in high school 138 00:07:38,492 --> 00:07:42,794 then going on attend the historically Black college, Howard University. 139 00:07:42,796 --> 00:07:46,164 Anyone who went to Howard reminds you at every chance they get 140 00:07:46,166 --> 00:07:47,332 that they went to Howard. 141 00:07:47,334 --> 00:07:49,268 ROBERTS: Years later, Boseman revealing 142 00:07:49,270 --> 00:07:51,436 that one of his idols had paid for him 143 00:07:51,438 --> 00:07:52,905 and several other students 144 00:07:52,907 --> 00:07:55,640 to attend a summer acting program in the UK, 145 00:07:55,642 --> 00:07:57,276 something he talked to my colleague 146 00:07:57,278 --> 00:07:59,411 Michael Strahan about at the Oscars. 147 00:07:59,413 --> 00:08:01,547 Denzel Washington paid for you 148 00:08:01,549 --> 00:08:04,216 to go to Oxford program, theater program 149 00:08:04,218 --> 00:08:06,484 while you were a student, and you had a chance to finally 150 00:08:06,486 --> 00:08:10,088 talk to him and thank him. What was that conversation like? 151 00:08:10,090 --> 00:08:12,090 Uh, it was as fun conversation. 152 00:08:12,092 --> 00:08:15,260 The first thing he said was "You owe me money", you know. 153 00:08:15,262 --> 00:08:16,962 - Sounds like Denzel. - "I came to collect". 154 00:08:16,964 --> 00:08:20,332 ROBERTS: Boseman publicly repaying that debt of gratitude 155 00:08:20,334 --> 00:08:22,267 honoring Washington as he accepted 156 00:08:22,269 --> 00:08:26,338 the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. 157 00:08:26,340 --> 00:08:29,174 There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington. 158 00:08:29,176 --> 00:08:30,744 (CROWD CHEERING) 159 00:08:33,280 --> 00:08:35,780 ROBERTS: After graduating from Howard in 2000, 160 00:08:35,782 --> 00:08:38,117 Chadwick Boseman went on to work in Hollywood, 161 00:08:38,119 --> 00:08:39,551 mostly in television. 162 00:08:39,553 --> 00:08:40,754 COMMENTATOR: Here's the pitch. 163 00:08:42,656 --> 00:08:45,657 ROBERTS: But his breakout role came in 2013 164 00:08:45,659 --> 00:08:49,528 as baseball legend, Jackie Robinson, in the movie 42. 165 00:08:49,530 --> 00:08:51,696 Yeah, what you gonna do if one of these pitchers throws to your head? 166 00:08:51,698 --> 00:08:53,567 - Yeah. - REPORTER: Yeah, Jack, yeah. 167 00:08:56,170 --> 00:08:57,569 - I'll duck. - (LAUGHS) 168 00:08:57,571 --> 00:09:00,772 ROBERTS: Robinson's daughter sharing her memories of the actor. 169 00:09:00,774 --> 00:09:04,376 We felt he was accurate, he got the intensity of my father. 170 00:09:04,378 --> 00:09:09,581 He really built on the importance of my dad's character. 171 00:09:09,583 --> 00:09:14,488 He really felt the anguish and the frustration, 172 00:09:15,756 --> 00:09:17,622 and, you know, that was my dad. 173 00:09:17,624 --> 00:09:20,759 That's how he would be feeling at that moment 174 00:09:20,761 --> 00:09:22,496 on the field in Philadelphia. 175 00:09:23,263 --> 00:09:27,299 ROBERTS: Boseman had a gift for embodying real-life heroes, 176 00:09:27,301 --> 00:09:32,304 in 2014, taking on music icon James Brown in Get on Up. 177 00:09:32,306 --> 00:09:35,776 When I hit that stage, people better be ready. 178 00:09:36,877 --> 00:09:38,043 Especially the White ones. 179 00:09:38,045 --> 00:09:40,679 ROBERTS: The actor doing all his own dancing. 180 00:09:40,681 --> 00:09:42,247 NEWS ANCHOR: Did it scare you at all, Chad? 181 00:09:42,249 --> 00:09:44,082 BOSEMAN: I felt like nobody should do this. 182 00:09:44,084 --> 00:09:47,054 I went online and looked at the footage of him dancing 183 00:09:47,988 --> 00:09:51,256 - and I was like "absolutely not". - (ALL LAUGHING) 184 00:09:51,258 --> 00:09:53,625 The hardest thing was the groove. 185 00:09:53,627 --> 00:09:55,627 You know, James Brown's groove. 186 00:09:55,629 --> 00:09:59,164 Once you get that, you sort of understand the rest of it. 187 00:09:59,166 --> 00:10:01,066 YAMMA BROWN: He did an amazing job. 188 00:10:01,068 --> 00:10:03,102 ROBERTS: Brown's daughter Dr. Yamma Brown 189 00:10:03,104 --> 00:10:05,270 reflecting on Boseman's work ethic. 190 00:10:05,272 --> 00:10:08,640 BROWN: He came down to Dad's home in South Carolina. 191 00:10:08,642 --> 00:10:10,442 We went through old costumes. 192 00:10:10,444 --> 00:10:14,079 I mean, literally old, old clothes. He tried on clothes 193 00:10:14,081 --> 00:10:18,717 and just tried to embody him and did a lot of research, 194 00:10:18,719 --> 00:10:21,620 worked with the choreographer five hours a day 195 00:10:21,622 --> 00:10:26,458 and then came back even after he got all set to do even more work. 196 00:10:26,460 --> 00:10:28,660 I will be forever indebted to him 197 00:10:28,662 --> 00:10:33,732 for how he made my dad's life story come to life like that. 198 00:10:33,734 --> 00:10:37,002 ROBERTS: In 2017, Boseman would again portray 199 00:10:37,004 --> 00:10:39,571 an American legend, civil rights attorney 200 00:10:39,573 --> 00:10:43,375 and the first Black justice on the Supreme Court, Thurgood Marshall. 201 00:10:43,377 --> 00:10:46,111 The NAACP isn't taking any deals. 202 00:10:46,113 --> 00:10:48,547 The NAACP isn't the one with its life on the line here. 203 00:10:48,549 --> 00:10:49,981 Yes, it is, goddamn it. 204 00:10:49,983 --> 00:10:53,818 He was somebody that I expected to be very intimidated by, 205 00:10:53,820 --> 00:10:55,900 and when I met him 206 00:10:55,902 --> 00:10:59,758 it was like we had known each other for a decade. 207 00:10:59,760 --> 00:11:02,427 And there was such an approachability. 208 00:11:02,429 --> 00:11:05,130 ROBERTS: But Boseman's career-defining role would be 209 00:11:05,132 --> 00:11:07,668 bringing a fictional hero to life. 210 00:11:08,602 --> 00:11:11,138 He roared onto the screen as T'Challa, 211 00:11:11,939 --> 00:11:15,307 Black Panther in Marvel's Captain America: Civil War. 212 00:11:15,309 --> 00:11:20,445 Two years later, in 2018, Boseman revealing Wakanda to the world. 213 00:11:20,447 --> 00:11:22,047 Whoo! Let's go. 214 00:11:22,049 --> 00:11:24,583 ROBERTS: Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler 215 00:11:24,585 --> 00:11:27,321 and featuring a mostly Black cast. 216 00:11:28,255 --> 00:11:31,857 Genre and box-office-busting in every way. 217 00:11:31,859 --> 00:11:34,629 There's obviously a thirst for something. 218 00:11:34,631 --> 00:11:35,694 What thirst, do you think? 219 00:11:35,696 --> 00:11:38,897 People are starved for the images that they see. 220 00:11:38,899 --> 00:11:40,632 - They see power and spectacle... - It's the pride. 221 00:11:40,634 --> 00:11:43,702 ... intelligence, um, achievement. 222 00:11:43,704 --> 00:11:46,004 People can see not just themselves, but their dreams. 223 00:11:46,006 --> 00:11:47,806 They see their dreams. It's aspirational. 224 00:11:47,808 --> 00:11:50,809 Very often in Hollywood, if there is a lot of Black people in it, 225 00:11:50,811 --> 00:11:53,078 it's seen as a Black movie, not a universal movie. 226 00:11:53,080 --> 00:11:54,980 But this time, it was constructed 227 00:11:54,982 --> 00:11:56,548 and imagined as a universal movie... 228 00:11:56,550 --> 00:11:58,917 - (CROWD CHEERING) - Please welcome Chadwick Boseman. 229 00:11:58,919 --> 00:12:01,953 ROBERTS: Boseman becoming a bona fide movie star. 230 00:12:01,955 --> 00:12:05,557 From late night talk shows to red carpets and award stages. 231 00:12:05,559 --> 00:12:09,461 We all know what it's like to be told 232 00:12:09,463 --> 00:12:12,998 that there is not a place for you to be featured. 233 00:12:13,000 --> 00:12:15,400 Yet, you are young, gifted and Black. 234 00:12:15,402 --> 00:12:18,370 ROBERTS: T'Challa would lead him to the next two Avengers films. 235 00:12:18,372 --> 00:12:20,405 - Yibambe. - ALL: Yibambe. 236 00:12:20,407 --> 00:12:23,608 ROBERTS: The biggest-grossing movies of all time. 237 00:12:23,610 --> 00:12:28,313 We had no idea that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016. 238 00:12:28,315 --> 00:12:32,417 He endured countless surgeries and chemotherapy treatments 239 00:12:32,419 --> 00:12:34,853 while he was playing some of these 240 00:12:34,855 --> 00:12:37,923 remarkable characters in these terrific films. 241 00:12:37,925 --> 00:12:40,592 ROBERTS: In 2018, he triumphantly returned 242 00:12:40,594 --> 00:12:42,761 to his alma mater Howard University, 243 00:12:42,763 --> 00:12:46,665 delivering the speech at the school's 150th commencement. 244 00:12:46,667 --> 00:12:49,501 The fact that you have struggled with this university that you love 245 00:12:49,503 --> 00:12:52,070 is a sign that you can use your education 246 00:12:52,072 --> 00:12:54,506 to improve the world that you are entering. 247 00:12:54,508 --> 00:12:59,411 Chadwick knew and understood the importance of using his platform 248 00:12:59,413 --> 00:13:02,149 to do something greater than to benefit himself. 249 00:13:03,851 --> 00:13:06,284 ROBERTS: At the beginning of this year, Boseman was gearing up 250 00:13:06,286 --> 00:13:07,986 to debut his newest film, 251 00:13:07,988 --> 00:13:12,057 the Netflix feature Da 5 Bloods directed by Spike Lee. 252 00:13:12,059 --> 00:13:13,060 Bloods! 253 00:13:14,194 --> 00:13:15,427 Let's see what we got here. 254 00:13:15,429 --> 00:13:17,296 ROBERTS: The film premiering in June, 255 00:13:17,298 --> 00:13:19,898 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. 256 00:13:19,900 --> 00:13:23,235 Hollywood largely shut down, gone silent. 257 00:13:23,237 --> 00:13:27,272 His final post on social media, the day Senator Kamala Harris, 258 00:13:27,274 --> 00:13:30,008 a fellow Howard University graduate and friend 259 00:13:30,010 --> 00:13:33,280 was named the Democratic vice presidential nominee. 260 00:13:34,114 --> 00:13:37,549 That his last Tweet was to encourage people 261 00:13:37,551 --> 00:13:42,554 to exercise their right as citizens, to vote, 262 00:13:42,556 --> 00:13:47,392 to participate in their democracy borne out of love of our country. 263 00:13:47,394 --> 00:13:49,995 It's just so reflective of Chadwick. 264 00:13:49,997 --> 00:13:54,533 ROBERTS: Just 17 days later, the incomprehensible news 265 00:13:54,535 --> 00:13:56,902 that the first Black movie superhero 266 00:13:56,904 --> 00:14:00,207 to headline his own franchise had died. 267 00:14:01,208 --> 00:14:03,575 The grace and courage that Chadwick displayed 268 00:14:03,577 --> 00:14:07,746 while fighting for his life is immeasurable. 269 00:14:07,748 --> 00:14:10,215 I don't think people appreciated 270 00:14:10,217 --> 00:14:13,952 just how great he was while he was living. 271 00:14:13,954 --> 00:14:17,489 And while it's exhilarating to hear all these great things 272 00:14:17,491 --> 00:14:19,658 being said and written about him, 273 00:14:19,660 --> 00:14:21,693 it's only my hope that 274 00:14:21,695 --> 00:14:24,598 he would have heard them while he was still with us. 275 00:14:26,099 --> 00:14:27,766 GOLDBERG: Nobody was having more fun. 276 00:14:27,768 --> 00:14:31,636 If you look back on it, you think, well, if you knew that your time 277 00:14:31,638 --> 00:14:36,341 might be limited, you'd have as good a time as you could as well. 278 00:14:36,343 --> 00:14:38,043 Bravo for him. 279 00:14:38,045 --> 00:14:41,079 He played icons and now has become an icon himself 280 00:14:41,081 --> 00:14:42,781 and his legacy is one for the ages. 281 00:14:42,783 --> 00:14:44,351 (SINGING IN OTHER LANGUAGE) 282 00:14:49,289 --> 00:14:51,623 Hmm. Our thanks to Deb. 283 00:14:51,625 --> 00:14:53,992 Joining us now, Phylicia Rashad, 284 00:14:53,994 --> 00:14:56,561 who has her own special connection 285 00:14:56,563 --> 00:14:59,631 to Chad as one of his teachers and mentors 286 00:14:59,633 --> 00:15:01,800 at Howard University. 287 00:15:01,802 --> 00:15:05,737 Phylicia, first of all, just want to send my sincere condolences. 288 00:15:05,739 --> 00:15:08,373 I know how special he was to you. 289 00:15:08,375 --> 00:15:12,811 And some would say that you helped to launch his career. 290 00:15:12,813 --> 00:15:16,181 You saw an opportunity for him to get more training 291 00:15:16,183 --> 00:15:19,251 at a program in Oxford, but it was expensive, right? 292 00:15:19,253 --> 00:15:22,153 So, tell us the story about how you helped him 293 00:15:22,155 --> 00:15:26,324 and how somebody by the name of Denzel fits into this picture. 294 00:15:26,326 --> 00:15:29,963 (LAUGHS) Well, I received a call 295 00:15:30,764 --> 00:15:34,366 from one of the students in that class 296 00:15:34,368 --> 00:15:36,268 and they said "Oh, Miss Rashad, 297 00:15:36,270 --> 00:15:38,937 we just want to thank you. We want you to know that 298 00:15:38,939 --> 00:15:41,139 we auditioned for 299 00:15:41,141 --> 00:15:44,142 the British Academy of Dramatic Arts Midsummer Program 300 00:15:44,144 --> 00:15:46,645 and we got in". 301 00:15:46,647 --> 00:15:48,180 And I said, "Well, that's great". 302 00:15:48,182 --> 00:15:50,415 And they said, "But we're not going to go". 303 00:15:50,417 --> 00:15:51,917 and I asked 'Why not?" 304 00:15:51,919 --> 00:15:55,287 and he said "Because we don't have the money to go". 305 00:15:55,289 --> 00:15:56,490 We can't afford it. 306 00:15:58,292 --> 00:16:02,594 And I said... "I don't know, you're going. 307 00:16:02,596 --> 00:16:06,398 You're going. Pack your bags and be ready. You're going". 308 00:16:06,400 --> 00:16:11,705 So, I made a phone call to a friend of mine. 309 00:16:12,639 --> 00:16:14,039 And he called me back 310 00:16:14,041 --> 00:16:18,412 and we talked about it for maybe five minutes or less 311 00:16:19,213 --> 00:16:22,380 And he said "Okay, I got this many". 312 00:16:22,382 --> 00:16:24,249 (LAUGHTER) 313 00:16:24,251 --> 00:16:25,684 RASHAD: So he sent them. 314 00:16:25,686 --> 00:16:28,587 So many people willing to help out like that. 315 00:16:28,589 --> 00:16:30,589 And when you think of a bright like... 316 00:16:30,591 --> 00:16:33,525 Like Chadwick who's now gone. 317 00:16:33,527 --> 00:16:37,596 What do you think his legacy will be to young actors, 318 00:16:37,598 --> 00:16:39,464 especially young actors of color, 319 00:16:39,466 --> 00:16:41,533 people who might be in school now 320 00:16:41,535 --> 00:16:44,004 and hoping for that same break? 321 00:16:46,340 --> 00:16:50,075 I think when people come to know of him now, 322 00:16:50,077 --> 00:16:54,179 through the words of me and other people who have known him, 323 00:16:54,181 --> 00:16:57,015 what will become readily apparent to them 324 00:16:57,017 --> 00:17:00,988 is his commitment to justice and purpose. 325 00:17:02,256 --> 00:17:05,123 And if you go back and listen to the commencement address 326 00:17:05,125 --> 00:17:06,925 that he gave at Howard University, 327 00:17:06,927 --> 00:17:08,927 towards those closing remarks, 328 00:17:08,929 --> 00:17:13,867 he spoke fervently about the importance of purpose. 329 00:17:16,370 --> 00:17:19,104 And always as a student, he was about justice 330 00:17:19,106 --> 00:17:23,175 and he was about social justice, economic justice, 331 00:17:23,177 --> 00:17:26,178 judicial justice, educational justice, 332 00:17:26,180 --> 00:17:29,014 religious justice. He was about justice. 333 00:17:29,016 --> 00:17:32,851 And that is why we're paying tribute to him tonight. 334 00:17:32,853 --> 00:17:36,888 Phylicia, thank you so much for sharing your memories. 335 00:17:36,890 --> 00:17:39,226 We appreciate it and wish you all the best. Thank you. 336 00:17:40,093 --> 00:17:41,128 Thank you. 337 00:17:41,895 --> 00:17:43,295 And coming up... 338 00:17:43,297 --> 00:17:46,231 Robert Downey Jr.'s tribute to his friend 339 00:17:46,233 --> 00:17:49,200 and how Black Panther created movie magic, 340 00:17:49,202 --> 00:17:53,138 and some say, transformed the world. 341 00:17:53,140 --> 00:17:54,575 We'll be right back. 342 00:18:03,617 --> 00:18:07,052 Welcome back everyone. I'm joined now by a very familiar face 343 00:18:07,054 --> 00:18:10,255 to many of us, Tony Stark, a.k.a., Iron Man, 344 00:18:10,257 --> 00:18:14,693 but also a dear friend of Chadwick's from the Marvel Universe. 345 00:18:14,695 --> 00:18:19,364 Robert Downey Jr., so good of you to be with us tonight. 346 00:18:19,366 --> 00:18:20,999 And you and Chadwick, 347 00:18:21,001 --> 00:18:23,969 you shared some iconic moments onscreen together 348 00:18:23,971 --> 00:18:25,337 as fellow Avengers. 349 00:18:25,339 --> 00:18:28,609 So talk to me about one of your memories of Chadwick on set. 350 00:18:30,110 --> 00:18:36,615 Uh, well, towards the end of the third Avengers, 351 00:18:36,617 --> 00:18:41,455 the Infinity War, there was this, we all kind of lose together. 352 00:18:42,389 --> 00:18:44,823 And I remember it was one of those few days 353 00:18:44,825 --> 00:18:50,028 that all of the, uh... All of the Avengers were together, 354 00:18:50,030 --> 00:18:54,499 and there was just the way that he walked on set 355 00:18:54,501 --> 00:18:57,335 and the immense success that had occurred, 356 00:18:57,337 --> 00:19:00,272 and rightfully so, with Black Panther. 357 00:19:00,274 --> 00:19:05,010 And he was just in this kind of stratus of his own, 358 00:19:05,012 --> 00:19:08,747 but always, always humble, always hardworking, 359 00:19:08,749 --> 00:19:12,784 always a smile on his face and just... 360 00:19:12,786 --> 00:19:15,987 And now, looking back, all the more I realize 361 00:19:15,989 --> 00:19:18,490 just what an incredibly graceful human being he was. 362 00:19:18,492 --> 00:19:20,392 Yeah, and you shared... 363 00:19:20,394 --> 00:19:24,496 Robert, you shared such a heartwarming video on Instagram yesterday. 364 00:19:24,498 --> 00:19:26,998 The two of you, you were laughing 365 00:19:27,000 --> 00:19:29,234 and you called him a game-changer. 366 00:19:29,236 --> 00:19:31,036 How are you going to remember your friend, 367 00:19:31,038 --> 00:19:34,840 and how do you want the rest of the world to remember him, too? 368 00:19:34,842 --> 00:19:38,109 Well even just, it was about six, eight weeks ago 369 00:19:38,111 --> 00:19:39,344 I reached out to him 370 00:19:39,346 --> 00:19:45,684 amidst the George Floyd protests and he had such a thoughtful 371 00:19:45,686 --> 00:19:48,386 and kind of informative reframe 372 00:19:48,388 --> 00:19:50,991 for me as I was on a bit of a listening tour. 373 00:19:51,892 --> 00:19:55,596 And then I just go back and think, you know, every... 374 00:19:56,430 --> 00:19:57,896 Every time I think about... 375 00:19:57,898 --> 00:20:00,432 And Black Panther is hands down, 376 00:20:00,434 --> 00:20:03,235 it is the crowning achievement of the Marvel Universe. 377 00:20:03,237 --> 00:20:05,670 And I say that with all due respect 378 00:20:05,672 --> 00:20:09,040 to all the other films that have been made, including my own, 379 00:20:09,042 --> 00:20:13,545 but it was the one where people got to vote with their ticket sales 380 00:20:13,547 --> 00:20:17,916 and say we require this overdue diversity. 381 00:20:17,918 --> 00:20:21,753 This is a meritocracy, or at least it should be, 382 00:20:21,755 --> 00:20:27,192 and this is a fantastic movie that has levelled the playing field 383 00:20:27,194 --> 00:20:29,728 and, you know, appropriately so. 384 00:20:29,730 --> 00:20:34,466 And so, his legacy is so meaningful 385 00:20:34,468 --> 00:20:37,302 and at the same time as I was noticing, you know, 386 00:20:37,304 --> 00:20:41,206 and it's so great of you to do this on ABC and Disney and Marvel 387 00:20:41,208 --> 00:20:43,942 to give this the space it deserves. 388 00:20:43,944 --> 00:20:46,211 And so there's a void now. 389 00:20:46,213 --> 00:20:52,217 Hmm. So generous of you to share that with everyone, Robert. 390 00:20:52,219 --> 00:20:54,054 We appreciate it so very, very much. 391 00:20:54,888 --> 00:20:55,989 You take care. 392 00:20:57,124 --> 00:20:58,790 Thanks, Robin. 393 00:20:58,792 --> 00:21:02,961 Yes, they were just two words, "Wakanda forever". 394 00:21:02,963 --> 00:21:07,432 But in so many ways they summed up centuries of struggle. 395 00:21:07,434 --> 00:21:09,134 And the world first heard them 396 00:21:09,136 --> 00:21:11,369 in a game-changing movie, Black Panther. 397 00:21:11,371 --> 00:21:15,574 The first superhero film ever nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. 398 00:21:15,576 --> 00:21:17,909 But Black Panther was so much more than just a movie. 399 00:21:17,911 --> 00:21:19,778 It was a movement, 400 00:21:19,780 --> 00:21:24,482 a cultural moment that changed everything before it and after it. 401 00:21:24,484 --> 00:21:28,520 And for many, Chadwick Boseman was the man. 402 00:21:28,522 --> 00:21:29,523 Here's Byron Pitts. 403 00:21:33,327 --> 00:21:34,626 BYRON PITTS: Epic by every measure. 404 00:21:34,628 --> 00:21:35,994 We are home. 405 00:21:35,996 --> 00:21:38,163 PITTS: Size, scale, impact. 406 00:21:38,165 --> 00:21:40,231 Black Panther didn't simply shatter 407 00:21:40,233 --> 00:21:43,568 box office records, it broke boundaries. 408 00:21:43,570 --> 00:21:47,606 It was a moment of collective celebration. 409 00:21:47,608 --> 00:21:51,643 Um, because of the story itself, but also because of Chadwick. 410 00:21:51,645 --> 00:21:55,347 The significance of it, the brilliance of it, the elegance of it. 411 00:21:55,349 --> 00:21:56,781 He did all of that. 412 00:21:56,783 --> 00:21:59,618 At the premier of Black Panther, 413 00:21:59,620 --> 00:22:01,520 Chadwick and I saw each other 414 00:22:01,522 --> 00:22:06,091 right before the curtains rose and the film was going to start 415 00:22:06,093 --> 00:22:08,927 and we embraced each other. And I said to him, 416 00:22:08,929 --> 00:22:12,797 I cannot wait to share this movie with the world. 417 00:22:12,799 --> 00:22:15,567 And he kind of leaned in and whispered to me 418 00:22:15,569 --> 00:22:18,136 in that soft voice of his and he said, 419 00:22:18,138 --> 00:22:20,438 "I can't wait to change the world". 420 00:22:20,440 --> 00:22:22,774 PITTS: And change the world it did. 421 00:22:22,776 --> 00:22:24,176 Wakanda forever! 422 00:22:24,178 --> 00:22:26,244 ALL: Wakanda forever! 423 00:22:26,246 --> 00:22:29,381 PITTS: "Wakanda forever" became a rallying cry for millions 424 00:22:29,383 --> 00:22:32,450 who finally could see a super hero on screen 425 00:22:32,452 --> 00:22:33,852 who looked like them. 426 00:22:33,854 --> 00:22:35,255 (ALL SINGING, CHEERING) 427 00:22:36,223 --> 00:22:39,224 PITTS: This video going viral of Atlanta students dancing 428 00:22:39,226 --> 00:22:42,194 when they were told they'd be going to see the movie. 429 00:22:42,196 --> 00:22:44,295 This was a film that was being treated 430 00:22:44,297 --> 00:22:46,798 with the same respect and thoughtfulness 431 00:22:46,800 --> 00:22:49,100 as a Captain America and an Iron Man, 432 00:22:49,102 --> 00:22:53,505 and that was a gift to a generation of children 433 00:22:53,507 --> 00:22:57,309 who normally would've never gotten to see something like that before. 434 00:22:57,311 --> 00:23:01,813 I say that he was a star, but also a shooting star 435 00:23:01,815 --> 00:23:03,682 because he lived his life in such a way 436 00:23:03,684 --> 00:23:07,786 that, you know, forever, kids see him in that Black Panther role 437 00:23:07,788 --> 00:23:09,988 and see a reflection of themselves 438 00:23:09,990 --> 00:23:13,091 embodied in everything that he intended. 439 00:23:13,093 --> 00:23:16,361 You know, they get to dream about and wish about 440 00:23:16,363 --> 00:23:20,534 and make wishes on that shooting star that was Chadwick Boseman. 441 00:23:21,768 --> 00:23:23,637 Chad was my brother. 442 00:23:24,404 --> 00:23:26,471 Um, and I mean that in the sense of... 443 00:23:26,473 --> 00:23:27,908 There's obviously, you know, 444 00:23:28,909 --> 00:23:34,112 brother in the sense of being African-American man in America 445 00:23:34,114 --> 00:23:40,218 but the brotherhood that I'm really speaking of is Howard. 446 00:23:40,220 --> 00:23:43,188 PITTS: When he spoke at commencement at his beloved alma mater, 447 00:23:43,190 --> 00:23:46,825 he reflected on a role he thought played into stereotypes. 448 00:23:46,827 --> 00:23:48,727 I was conflicted. 449 00:23:48,729 --> 00:23:51,563 Howard had instilled in me a certain amount of pride. 450 00:23:51,565 --> 00:23:54,933 And for my taste, this role didn't live up to those standards. 451 00:23:54,935 --> 00:23:57,369 Chad was a very, very conscious dude. 452 00:23:57,371 --> 00:24:00,572 You know, um, and he would not... 453 00:24:00,574 --> 00:24:03,741 He wasn't the kind of cat that 454 00:24:03,743 --> 00:24:07,012 felt he had to take a role to make a living. 455 00:24:07,014 --> 00:24:09,281 'Cause art was an extension of that struggle. 456 00:24:09,283 --> 00:24:11,917 And so, he wasn't gonna take something that wasn't gonna, you know, 457 00:24:11,919 --> 00:24:13,118 wasn't gonna embody. 458 00:24:13,120 --> 00:24:14,986 He wasn't gonna take anything that embarrassed him 459 00:24:14,988 --> 00:24:17,556 embarrassed his people, embarrassed his community, 460 00:24:17,558 --> 00:24:18,857 that just wasn't him. 461 00:24:18,859 --> 00:24:20,292 PITTS: He would play smaller roles 462 00:24:20,294 --> 00:24:23,895 until he finally got the chance to embody a real-life hero, 463 00:24:23,897 --> 00:24:26,498 Jackie Robinson, in 42. 464 00:24:26,500 --> 00:24:28,302 I didn't come here to make friends. 465 00:24:30,771 --> 00:24:34,206 I don't even care if they respect me. I know who I am. 466 00:24:34,208 --> 00:24:39,444 BOSEMAN: When you play someone who lives so courageously, 467 00:24:39,446 --> 00:24:43,582 you're able to sort of rise to the occasion in a way 468 00:24:43,584 --> 00:24:47,719 because you play someone who does that. 469 00:24:47,721 --> 00:24:49,521 It gives you a sense of courage. 470 00:24:49,523 --> 00:24:53,158 Chadwick played great men, and he was a great man, 471 00:24:53,160 --> 00:24:56,528 and bringing real-life characters to the screen 472 00:24:56,530 --> 00:25:02,067 with such amazing nobility and humor and humanity. 473 00:25:02,069 --> 00:25:04,336 And that's why he was the only choice. 474 00:25:04,338 --> 00:25:06,972 The only actor we ever discussed to play T'Challa 475 00:25:06,974 --> 00:25:08,106 was Chadwick Boseman. 476 00:25:08,108 --> 00:25:10,542 He brought royalty. (CHUCKLES) 477 00:25:10,544 --> 00:25:13,445 He brought royalty. It's not easy to play a king. 478 00:25:13,447 --> 00:25:15,713 He brought, you know, a regal spirit, 479 00:25:15,715 --> 00:25:17,349 you know, and he always had that. 480 00:25:17,351 --> 00:25:19,184 Where'd he go? 481 00:25:19,186 --> 00:25:22,087 PITTS: Black Panther would be the role of a lifetime for Boseman, 482 00:25:22,089 --> 00:25:26,124 a work of art that wasn't color blind, but rather color brave, 483 00:25:26,126 --> 00:25:30,295 reimagining what it meant to be a warrior, a hero, a king. 484 00:25:30,297 --> 00:25:31,630 Yield. 485 00:25:31,632 --> 00:25:35,200 I watched this movie and I see all these Black people, 486 00:25:35,202 --> 00:25:38,537 and so in some ways it seemed intentionally Black. 487 00:25:38,539 --> 00:25:41,473 But by the end of it, it's sort of coincidentally Black. 488 00:25:41,475 --> 00:25:44,543 - Universal story. It's a universal story. - It's a universal story. 489 00:25:44,545 --> 00:25:50,582 Yeah. The truth is, you know, art can do that. 490 00:25:50,584 --> 00:25:53,652 I grew up, man. I grew up loving comic books, man. 491 00:25:53,654 --> 00:25:56,321 A lot of my comic books I read, there wasn't a Black face to be found. 492 00:25:56,323 --> 00:26:00,392 Our story is about a man who is taking on a responsibility 493 00:26:00,394 --> 00:26:01,960 that he does not feel ready for. 494 00:26:01,962 --> 00:26:06,431 I can't think of a more universal story. Everybody goes through that. 495 00:26:06,433 --> 00:26:09,768 You've portrayed major figures in American history, 496 00:26:09,770 --> 00:26:10,936 ground-breaking figures. 497 00:26:10,938 --> 00:26:13,405 Jackie Robinson, James Brown, Thurgood Marshall. 498 00:26:13,407 --> 00:26:15,707 How does Black Panther fit into that? 499 00:26:15,709 --> 00:26:18,610 'Cause those were all men who changed history. 500 00:26:18,612 --> 00:26:19,845 - Right. - Who changed 501 00:26:19,847 --> 00:26:21,879 not only how people saw themselves, 502 00:26:21,881 --> 00:26:23,348 but how other people saw them. 503 00:26:23,350 --> 00:26:25,049 I certainly wouldn't be here 504 00:26:25,051 --> 00:26:28,486 if it were not for those men that I portrayed. 505 00:26:28,488 --> 00:26:33,625 Um, you know, because of what they did in their lives 506 00:26:33,627 --> 00:26:35,863 and the doors that it opened for me. 507 00:26:36,897 --> 00:26:40,332 So when I walk in through the lab and I'm feeling myself 508 00:26:40,334 --> 00:26:43,268 because I'm King and I'm with, you know, my sister. 509 00:26:43,270 --> 00:26:44,872 There's a little bit of James Brown. 510 00:26:45,806 --> 00:26:48,807 When I'm holding court, there's a little bit of Thurgood Marshall. 511 00:26:48,809 --> 00:26:51,143 The power of the Black Panther. 512 00:26:51,145 --> 00:26:52,777 PITTS: And for generations to come, 513 00:26:52,779 --> 00:26:55,013 young men, in particular those of color, 514 00:26:55,015 --> 00:26:59,484 may stride a bit bolder with a little Chadwick Boseman in them. 515 00:26:59,486 --> 00:27:01,686 He didn't simply exude gravitas. 516 00:27:01,688 --> 00:27:04,923 He exemplified grace and grit along with it, 517 00:27:04,925 --> 00:27:08,260 not only in his career, but in his final hours. 518 00:27:08,262 --> 00:27:10,829 Film like Black Panther, 519 00:27:10,831 --> 00:27:12,797 you know, Chad was articulating, 520 00:27:12,799 --> 00:27:15,300 as only he could, you know, the humanity of Black folks. 521 00:27:15,302 --> 00:27:16,601 And that's what this is all about. 522 00:27:16,603 --> 00:27:18,405 You can't shoot a man in the back 523 00:27:19,273 --> 00:27:23,141 unless you believe they are, you know, subhuman or not human at all. 524 00:27:23,143 --> 00:27:26,478 What Chad was in the work of doing was communicating Black humanity 525 00:27:26,480 --> 00:27:27,946 through black heroism, 526 00:27:27,948 --> 00:27:30,582 But primarily, Black humanity. 527 00:27:30,584 --> 00:27:32,216 And he was fearless in his ability, 528 00:27:32,218 --> 00:27:34,419 you know, to do it in his chosen field, 529 00:27:34,421 --> 00:27:36,288 and he's gone. 530 00:27:36,290 --> 00:27:38,490 And so, that's a huge loss. 531 00:27:38,492 --> 00:27:40,792 That's a huge, huge loss. 532 00:27:40,794 --> 00:27:44,262 You watch movies to walk in the shoes 533 00:27:44,264 --> 00:27:47,465 of the protagonist or the hero. 534 00:27:47,467 --> 00:27:51,269 But it is not just me playing, it is also you watching it. 535 00:27:51,271 --> 00:27:53,505 And I think that's... 536 00:27:53,507 --> 00:27:57,778 You know, I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to do that. 537 00:27:59,713 --> 00:28:03,114 Our thanks to Byron, and now it is my pleasure 538 00:28:03,116 --> 00:28:05,295 to welcome someone else who was part 539 00:28:05,297 --> 00:28:07,786 of the cultural moment of Black Panther, 540 00:28:07,788 --> 00:28:11,223 Oscar winner, Forest Whitaker, who plays Zuri. 541 00:28:11,225 --> 00:28:13,591 We know that he was such a dear colleague 542 00:28:13,593 --> 00:28:15,861 and a co-star of yours in the film. 543 00:28:15,863 --> 00:28:18,663 First of all, Forest, thank you so much for being with us tonight, 544 00:28:18,665 --> 00:28:21,732 can you share with us your fondest memory 545 00:28:21,734 --> 00:28:23,470 from your time working with Chadwick? 546 00:28:24,805 --> 00:28:26,238 There's a number of memories, I guess. 547 00:28:26,240 --> 00:28:28,106 I'm always excited to get a chance to work with him 548 00:28:28,108 --> 00:28:31,443 because he's such a talented artist and he acts in really great films. 549 00:28:31,445 --> 00:28:33,678 And when we started to do Panther, 550 00:28:33,680 --> 00:28:36,383 I started off to working at the falls. 551 00:28:37,217 --> 00:28:39,417 And I was able to look at him 552 00:28:39,419 --> 00:28:43,255 as he was, like, doing the action sequence with Michael Jordan 553 00:28:43,257 --> 00:28:45,423 and doing everything himself, you know, 554 00:28:45,425 --> 00:28:47,859 and just over and over and over again. 555 00:28:47,861 --> 00:28:50,562 So I got a chance to recognize his sort of 556 00:28:50,564 --> 00:28:53,632 discipline that he had and focus that he had 557 00:28:53,634 --> 00:28:56,334 in the scenes that we were doing there. 558 00:28:56,336 --> 00:28:59,104 But I think I was kinda touched 559 00:28:59,106 --> 00:29:01,843 when we were doing the coronation scene 560 00:29:01,845 --> 00:29:04,009 where we were crowning him King, 561 00:29:04,011 --> 00:29:08,880 and everyone in the audience is dancing and the drums are playing. 562 00:29:08,882 --> 00:29:12,046 And I turned to Chadwick, and Chadwick says, 563 00:29:12,048 --> 00:29:15,421 that you feel something, you could feel this energy coming. 564 00:29:15,423 --> 00:29:18,823 That as if there was a transformation that was going on. 565 00:29:18,825 --> 00:29:22,397 And I thought that was really powerful that he was being empowered, 566 00:29:22,399 --> 00:29:24,029 that it was actually happening. 567 00:29:24,031 --> 00:29:29,000 And I think it's that kind of discipline, but openness... 568 00:29:29,002 --> 00:29:30,569 - ROBERTS: Yeah. - Uh... 569 00:29:30,571 --> 00:29:35,073 That allowed part of the phenomenon of Black Panther to occur. 570 00:29:35,075 --> 00:29:38,677 Like all the different things that happened from what he did, 571 00:29:38,679 --> 00:29:42,047 he was sort of inspiring people to believe in it, 572 00:29:42,049 --> 00:29:46,785 and to remember their heritage and their lineage and ancestry 573 00:29:46,787 --> 00:29:50,856 and the beauty of the Black culture and people of color 574 00:29:50,858 --> 00:29:56,428 and to kind of, I guess, empower people in a deep way. 575 00:29:56,430 --> 00:30:00,298 I mean, children to be able to be empowered, see themselves 576 00:30:00,300 --> 00:30:03,635 and for people to be able to see the possibilities, 577 00:30:03,637 --> 00:30:08,473 and I think the possibilities that aspirational in a way. 578 00:30:08,475 --> 00:30:11,309 Chadwick was aspirational, in a way, for so many people. 579 00:30:11,311 --> 00:30:15,580 He represented a great deal of hope. And in the film he did that, too, 580 00:30:15,582 --> 00:30:18,917 by making people realize that more can come, 581 00:30:18,919 --> 00:30:20,652 that they can have the great lives, 582 00:30:20,654 --> 00:30:22,620 and that they come from something special 583 00:30:22,622 --> 00:30:24,723 and that they have something special. 584 00:30:24,725 --> 00:30:27,559 And I think he recognized that in a really powerful way. 585 00:30:27,561 --> 00:30:30,195 So, it was really an honor to be able to do it. 586 00:30:30,197 --> 00:30:32,230 My, good. So well-said, Forest, 587 00:30:32,232 --> 00:30:34,878 so well-said. Thank you, Forest Whitaker, 588 00:30:34,880 --> 00:30:36,970 for being with us tonight. 589 00:30:38,205 --> 00:30:39,773 We appreciate it. You take care. 590 00:30:40,908 --> 00:30:44,111 It's a pleasure. Thank you for having me in for Chadwick. 591 00:30:45,045 --> 00:30:46,678 When we come back, 592 00:30:46,680 --> 00:30:49,648 Chadwick Boseman's silent battle with cancer 593 00:30:49,650 --> 00:30:52,918 and the powerful acts of strength shown in public. 594 00:30:52,920 --> 00:30:58,723 How his death is raising the alarm on earlier cancer screenings. 595 00:30:58,725 --> 00:30:59,960 Thank goodness for that. 596 00:31:03,437 --> 00:31:05,913 ♪ We will never break ♪ 597 00:31:05,915 --> 00:31:08,915 ♪ We will never break ♪ 598 00:31:08,917 --> 00:31:11,917 ♪ Built on a foundation ♪ 599 00:31:11,919 --> 00:31:13,872 ♪ Stronger than the pain ♪ 600 00:31:13,874 --> 00:31:15,974 "You have cancer". 601 00:31:15,976 --> 00:31:18,610 Those are words that strike fear into everyone. 602 00:31:18,612 --> 00:31:20,449 As I have often said, it is a community 603 00:31:20,451 --> 00:31:21,947 you don't want to be a part of, 604 00:31:21,949 --> 00:31:23,949 but so many of us are. 605 00:31:23,951 --> 00:31:25,750 And now we know that Chadwick Boseman 606 00:31:25,752 --> 00:31:28,220 was as well, battling in private. 607 00:31:28,222 --> 00:31:31,389 Just imagine what he was going through with treatment 608 00:31:31,391 --> 00:31:33,892 and the inner strength he must've called on 609 00:31:33,894 --> 00:31:36,997 to keep up with the grueling schedules of making movies. 610 00:31:37,865 --> 00:31:40,699 So, while millions of social media tributes are still pouring in, 611 00:31:40,701 --> 00:31:43,235 we wanted to use this as a teachable moment. 612 00:31:43,237 --> 00:31:45,337 We know Chadwick would've appreciated this. 613 00:31:45,339 --> 00:31:49,274 It's about testing and early intervention. 614 00:31:49,276 --> 00:31:52,811 Here's my colleague and fellow cancer thriver, 615 00:31:52,813 --> 00:31:54,081 Steve Osunsami. 616 00:31:55,282 --> 00:31:58,216 - How are you? - Good. I loved your movie. 617 00:31:58,218 --> 00:31:59,251 Thank you. 618 00:31:59,253 --> 00:32:02,020 OSUNSAMI: This was yet another one of the amazing things 619 00:32:02,022 --> 00:32:04,206 that actor Chadwick Boseman kept doing 620 00:32:04,208 --> 00:32:06,591 while quietly struggling with cancer, 621 00:32:06,593 --> 00:32:10,395 being a real-life hero to children at St. Jude's Hospital 622 00:32:10,397 --> 00:32:12,130 who were fighting the same disease. 623 00:32:12,132 --> 00:32:16,001 Meeting these children was hugely important for the superstar. 624 00:32:16,003 --> 00:32:19,401 And it showed in this 2018 interview on SiriusXM. 625 00:32:19,403 --> 00:32:25,010 There are two little kids, Ian and Taylor, 626 00:32:25,012 --> 00:32:31,950 who, um, recently passed from cancer. 627 00:32:31,952 --> 00:32:37,322 They just, they're trying to hold on till this movie comes. 628 00:32:37,324 --> 00:32:40,325 Just to experience those two little boys' 629 00:32:40,327 --> 00:32:44,596 um, anticipation of this movie and when I found out that they... 630 00:32:44,598 --> 00:32:45,799 (EXHALES SHARPLY) 631 00:32:49,303 --> 00:32:50,671 MAN: Take your time with it. 632 00:32:54,575 --> 00:32:55,576 (SNIFFLES) 633 00:33:00,814 --> 00:33:03,448 Yeah, it means a lot. 634 00:33:03,450 --> 00:33:05,449 OSUNSAMI: Zoe Dale needed exhausting 635 00:33:05,451 --> 00:33:08,053 and sometimes painful radiation treatments 636 00:33:08,055 --> 00:33:11,222 to fight brain cancer when King T'Challa himself 637 00:33:11,224 --> 00:33:12,858 came to visit the hospital. 638 00:33:12,860 --> 00:33:16,528 I was really nervous, and being able to meet him 639 00:33:16,530 --> 00:33:20,866 was like one of the best experiences I had while at St. Jude. 640 00:33:20,868 --> 00:33:22,868 OSUNSAMI: The then 20-year-old was all smiles 641 00:33:22,870 --> 00:33:24,803 for this photo with her sister. 642 00:33:24,805 --> 00:33:29,341 We did marks on our face to reflect 643 00:33:29,343 --> 00:33:30,574 Dad's tribal marks 644 00:33:30,576 --> 00:33:33,011 because they were so proud to be able to share that with him. 645 00:33:33,013 --> 00:33:35,714 And to have someone who is African-American 646 00:33:35,716 --> 00:33:38,984 be a lead in a movie... in such a big movie like that 647 00:33:38,986 --> 00:33:44,856 and to sound like our dad, um, he was like a role model 648 00:33:44,858 --> 00:33:47,293 that we could look up to, 649 00:33:47,295 --> 00:33:50,195 and someone that looked like us in a movie. 650 00:33:50,197 --> 00:33:52,230 OSUNSAMI: It was her 30th and final time 651 00:33:52,232 --> 00:33:54,633 she was going into the hospital for radiation. 652 00:33:54,635 --> 00:33:57,368 And the actor even signed her treatment schedule 653 00:33:57,370 --> 00:33:58,837 with a special message. 654 00:33:58,839 --> 00:34:02,340 He signed the radiation schedule and instead of Wakanda, 655 00:34:02,342 --> 00:34:06,578 he signed Ife 4eva, which translates to love. 656 00:34:06,580 --> 00:34:08,213 Ife translates to love. 657 00:34:08,215 --> 00:34:10,649 OSUNSAMI: What the Dale family is only learning now 658 00:34:10,651 --> 00:34:12,184 along with the rest of us 659 00:34:12,186 --> 00:34:16,588 is that Boseman was showing incredible strength of person and character 660 00:34:16,590 --> 00:34:19,658 trying to touch the lives of these sick children. 661 00:34:19,660 --> 00:34:25,699 I was just thinking how he was able to... 662 00:34:27,234 --> 00:34:30,535 ... be at St. Jude with a smile on his face the entire time 663 00:34:30,537 --> 00:34:33,538 and happy to be there, I was just thinking, "Wow". 664 00:34:33,540 --> 00:34:36,508 OSUNSAMI: Behind that smile, an internal struggle, 665 00:34:36,510 --> 00:34:39,544 and hard for many to believe that someone so young 666 00:34:39,546 --> 00:34:43,315 who looked so healthy was fighting colorectal cancer 667 00:34:43,317 --> 00:34:44,583 behind the scenes. 668 00:34:44,585 --> 00:34:47,085 In 2020, it is estimated 669 00:34:47,087 --> 00:34:52,791 that nearly 140,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed 670 00:34:52,793 --> 00:34:56,094 with almost 50,000 people dying from the disease. 671 00:34:56,096 --> 00:34:57,796 OSUNSAMI: And in the last 20 years, 672 00:34:57,798 --> 00:35:01,266 doctors have seen an alarming increase in young people. 673 00:35:01,268 --> 00:35:05,370 Dr. Kim Ng is at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. 674 00:35:05,372 --> 00:35:09,274 The rise of the colon cancer happening in young people 675 00:35:09,276 --> 00:35:13,011 has been starting to be seen since the mid-1990s, 676 00:35:13,013 --> 00:35:16,982 and it's occurring at a rate of about 2% per year. 677 00:35:16,984 --> 00:35:19,450 And what we are seeing in response to that 678 00:35:19,452 --> 00:35:21,353 is the American Cancer Society 679 00:35:21,355 --> 00:35:23,655 actually lowering their recommended age 680 00:35:23,657 --> 00:35:26,258 at which to start colorectal cancer screening 681 00:35:26,260 --> 00:35:29,027 from age 50 down to 45. 682 00:35:29,029 --> 00:35:31,663 Now although that may be a good first step, 683 00:35:31,665 --> 00:35:34,833 it certainly doesn't help all the many patients that we see 684 00:35:34,835 --> 00:35:36,897 who are being diagnosed and presenting 685 00:35:36,899 --> 00:35:38,904 when they're in their 20s or 30s. 686 00:35:38,906 --> 00:35:42,974 OSUNSAMI: Colon cancer is also hitting Black Americans harder 687 00:35:42,976 --> 00:35:44,451 according to Dr. Fola May 688 00:35:44,453 --> 00:35:47,012 at the University of California, Los Angeles. 689 00:35:47,014 --> 00:35:49,546 African Americans are more likely to get 690 00:35:49,548 --> 00:35:51,950 and die from colorectal cancer. 691 00:35:51,952 --> 00:35:54,476 And although we've done better over time 692 00:35:54,478 --> 00:35:56,855 with getting African Americans screened, 693 00:35:56,857 --> 00:35:59,124 we still have quite a ways to go. 694 00:35:59,126 --> 00:36:02,060 OSUNSAMI: For the doctors leading the fight against this disease, 695 00:36:02,062 --> 00:36:06,097 the tragedy of Boseman's death is also a chance to raise awareness. 696 00:36:06,099 --> 00:36:08,400 My one goal and my one hope 697 00:36:08,402 --> 00:36:11,535 is that we can use this time to understand 698 00:36:11,537 --> 00:36:14,039 how common colorectal cancer is 699 00:36:14,041 --> 00:36:16,306 and that we all can educate ourselves 700 00:36:16,308 --> 00:36:18,076 about the importance of screening. 701 00:36:18,078 --> 00:36:21,746 If we can do that, then we've done justice to his legacy. 702 00:36:21,748 --> 00:36:24,583 OSUNSAMI: So often the young people whose lives he touched 703 00:36:24,585 --> 00:36:26,518 were called his Wakanda Warriors, 704 00:36:26,520 --> 00:36:28,854 with superhuman strength of their own. 705 00:36:28,856 --> 00:36:31,423 Some of them are still fighting for their lives 706 00:36:31,425 --> 00:36:34,459 against the greatest supervillain they've ever known 707 00:36:34,461 --> 00:36:38,864 and they continue to draw strength from their fallen hero. 708 00:36:38,866 --> 00:36:43,935 His journey impacts mine just to keep going 709 00:36:43,937 --> 00:36:48,073 and no matter what you're going through just to push forward 710 00:36:48,075 --> 00:36:51,176 and to find a purpose that you're working for 711 00:36:51,178 --> 00:36:54,014 and just to be strong. 712 00:36:56,817 --> 00:36:58,385 Thank you, Steve. 713 00:36:59,186 --> 00:37:02,821 When we return, Boseman beyond the superhero. 714 00:37:02,823 --> 00:37:07,661 How the actor, an activist, is inspiring the next generation. 715 00:37:09,569 --> 00:37:12,069 ♪ We will never break ♪ 716 00:37:12,071 --> 00:37:14,871 ♪ We will never break ♪ 717 00:37:14,873 --> 00:37:17,873 ♪ Built on a foundation ♪ 718 00:37:17,875 --> 00:37:20,639 ♪ Stronger than the pain ♪ 719 00:37:20,641 --> 00:37:23,675 Chadwick once said about his character in Black Panther, 720 00:37:23,677 --> 00:37:25,944 T'Challa is basically saying 721 00:37:25,946 --> 00:37:30,382 we have a responsibility to the world to be a beacon of light. 722 00:37:30,384 --> 00:37:32,282 Chadwick took that to heart, 723 00:37:32,284 --> 00:37:36,089 and that light, in turn, spoke to so many others. 724 00:37:36,922 --> 00:37:39,658 ♪ Whenever life is hard ♪ 725 00:37:39,660 --> 00:37:42,928 He'd go out of his way to let you know 726 00:37:42,930 --> 00:37:44,930 that he loved you and how he felt about you. 727 00:37:44,932 --> 00:37:46,867 And it's just a rare quality. 728 00:37:46,869 --> 00:37:49,334 ♪ Who knows about tomorrow? We don't know... ♪ 729 00:37:49,336 --> 00:37:52,971 You know, he had this combination of being an old soul 730 00:37:52,973 --> 00:37:57,175 with the most incredible twinkle in his eye. 731 00:37:57,177 --> 00:38:00,779 To all of those little kids that love Black Panther 732 00:38:00,781 --> 00:38:03,582 and look to T'Challa as a hero, 733 00:38:03,584 --> 00:38:06,283 just know that the guy who played him 734 00:38:06,285 --> 00:38:08,620 is an even bigger hero in real life. 735 00:38:08,622 --> 00:38:11,690 - Wakanda forever! - ALL: Wakanda forever! 736 00:38:11,692 --> 00:38:13,290 There will forever 737 00:38:13,292 --> 00:38:17,195 be an irreplaceable piece missing from our Marvel family. 738 00:38:17,197 --> 00:38:21,633 The world is a less beautiful place without him. 739 00:38:21,635 --> 00:38:24,035 Rest in power, King. 740 00:38:24,037 --> 00:38:27,639 He accomplished so much in 43 years. What a life! 741 00:38:27,641 --> 00:38:30,108 So much he left behind on screen, 742 00:38:30,110 --> 00:38:32,646 but so much he still had to give. 743 00:38:33,647 --> 00:38:37,182 As we say good night, we wanna leave you 744 00:38:37,184 --> 00:38:41,086 with Chadwick's own inspirational words in his own voice 745 00:38:41,088 --> 00:38:42,888 from the day two years ago 746 00:38:42,890 --> 00:38:46,525 when he received an honorary degree from his alma mater 747 00:38:46,527 --> 00:38:50,095 and that of my beloved parents, Howard University. 748 00:38:50,097 --> 00:38:56,101 So, as you listen, please hold him and his family in your hearts. 749 00:38:56,103 --> 00:38:57,104 Good night. 750 00:38:58,805 --> 00:39:00,941 I don't know what your future is, 751 00:39:01,942 --> 00:39:05,310 but if you are willing to take the harder way, 752 00:39:05,312 --> 00:39:06,778 the more complicated one, 753 00:39:06,780 --> 00:39:10,515 the one with more failures at first than successes, 754 00:39:10,517 --> 00:39:12,749 the one that has ultimately proven 755 00:39:12,751 --> 00:39:15,053 to have more meaning, more victory, 756 00:39:15,055 --> 00:39:18,258 more glory, then you will not regret it. 757 00:39:19,726 --> 00:39:21,660 As you commence to your paths, 758 00:39:21,662 --> 00:39:27,034 press on with pride and press on with purpose. 759 00:39:28,235 --> 00:39:30,235 God bless you. 760 00:39:30,237 --> 00:39:31,772 I love you, Howard. 761 00:39:34,241 --> 00:39:35,674 Howard forever! 762 00:39:35,676 --> 00:39:36,844 (CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)