Canadian teens reflect on death of Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman | Article

U.S. actor died on Friday following cancer battle

“He was my superhero.”

That’s how Canadian teen Malia Baker, who stars in Netflix’s reboot of The Baby-Sitters Club, described her feelings towards fellow actor Chadwick Boseman.

Boseman, who starred in the 2018 Marvel movie Black Panther, died on Aug. 28 after a four-year battle with colon cancer.

“He was such an influence and inspiration for so many Black youths,” Malia said.

Actor Chadwick Boseman leaves behind an inspired generation. (Image credit: Mario Anzuoni/Reuters)

Although she wasn’t able to meet Boseman, the 13-year-old still felt his impact — on and off screen.

Malia, who was born in Botswana (Africa) but lives in Vancouver, said the Black Panther movie was the only superhero film she “genuinely loved.”

As a Black girl, “I felt seen and represented,” she said to CBC Kids News.

Malia Baker reflected on Chadwick Boseman’s strength for continuing to act despite battling colon cancer. (Image Credit: MaliaBaker/Instagram)

Malia, like many others, was surprised and saddened to hear of Boseman’s death.

Boseman’s family announced his death on social media on Friday and fans quickly took notice.⁣

The post became the most liked tweet of all time, surpassing 7.4 million likes, at the time of publishing.

“A tribute fit for a king,” said Twitter officials of the record-breaking tweet.

News was a shock to many

Boseman’s death surprised a lot of people, as he had kept his battle with cancer private.

He continued to star in close to 10 films “during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy,” read Boseman’s family statement.

Back in 2018, Akin Maxlino, right, and his friend Gene Fisher waited for Black Panther to start at a theatre in Toronto. Gene said for him, it’s ‘the biggest movie of all time.’ (Image Credit: Evan Mitsui/CBC)

Cameron Davis, 15, from Markham, Ont. (Ontario), said that Boseman’s death reminds him that no day is guaranteed and to always live life as best you can, to the fullest.

“I have to go out there and be my best self every day. And prove people wrong every day and make a change,” said Cameron.

’Focus on his success, focus on his excellence,’ says Cameron Davis. Boseman’s life inspired him to ‘never give up.’ (Image submitted by Cameron Davis)

Young fans pay tribute

Cameron recalls being “gleeful” to see Boseman on screen, not playing the villain or a sidekick, but as the lead.

This inspirational legacy was echoed by thousands of fans online, including some kids.

Boseman’s family requested privacy at this time and there are currently no plans for a public memorial.

For now, Canadian teens like Malia and Cameron say they will try to live up to Boseman’s legacy.

“I may not have superpowers, but I do have a superpower in a sense of making positive change in my world and in my community,” said Cameron.

TOP IMAGE CREDIT: (Malia Baker/IMDb, Submitted by Cameron Davis, Marvel Studios, graphic design by Allison Cake/CBC)