Lupita Nyong’o‘s grief for her late friend Chadwick Boseman remains profoundly felt, four years after his passing. During an emotional event at the BFI London Film Festival on October 14, Nyong’o was shown a clip from their 2018 film “Black Panther.” The moment prompted her to reflect on her feelings of loss and the enduring bond she shares with her late co-star.
After a brief pause to collect herself, the 41-year-old actress articulated her feelings: “The grief is just the love with no place to put it, right?” This statement highlighted the complexity of her emotions surrounding Boseman’s death. She opted not to view another clip, suggesting that the memories were too painful to revisit at that moment. “I don’t run away from the tears or the grief, you know? You just live with it. That experience will never be separate from the love that was formed,” she said, emphasizing the depth of her affection for Boseman and the impact he had on her life.
Boseman passed away at the age of 43 in August 2020 after a courageous four-year battle with colon cancer. Nyong’o’s heartfelt comments underscore the lasting influence Boseman had not only as a colleague but also as a dear friend. Reflecting on her relationship with him, she revealed that she has not watched “Black Panther” since his death. “I watch this clip and I’m filled with grief and I don’t know whether I’ll ever be done shedding my tears from losing my friend,” she shared. “But I’m like, we get to see him alive. And that’s so wonderful.” This sentiment illustrates the conflicting emotions of nostalgia and sorrow that accompany memories of lost loved ones.
In a poignant tribute on the four-year anniversary of Boseman’s death this past August, Nyong’o honored him with an Instagram post. The tribute featured a black-and-white photograph of Boseman alongside a vibrant image of the two sharing a laugh. In her caption, she reflected, “’Grief never ends. But it changes.’ It is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It’s the price of love.” She concluded with a heartfelt message: “Remembering Chadwick Boseman. Forever.”
In “Black Panther,” Nyong’o portrayed Nakia, a Wakandan warrior and T’Challa’s love interest. The chemistry they shared on screen translated into a deep, personal friendship off screen, making Boseman’s loss particularly significant for her. Their bond extended beyond their professional collaboration, leaving a lasting impression on Nyong’o’s life and career.
Earlier this year, Nyong’o discussed her role in the upcoming film “A Quiet Place: Day One,” where she plays a woman facing terminal cancer. The emotional weight of this role was intensified by her recent experiences with loss. “It was scary to have to go there,” she said, reflecting on the challenges of portraying a character grappling with mortality, especially in an apocalyptic context.
ADVERTISEMENT
The experience was not just an acting challenge but also a therapeutic process for Nyong’o, particularly in light of Boseman’s death. “In the end, it was actually very therapeutic because I had just experienced not too many years ago the death of Chadwick Boseman, which shook me to my core,” she explained. This acknowledgment underscores how personal grief can inform and deepen an artist’s performance.
Nyong’o emphasized the necessity of confronting mortality, stating, “What I came to realize is that it’s really important to be reminded of our mortality, because then we live life just a little more intentionally.” She pointed out that when people believe they have all the time in the world, they often take relationships and experiences for granted. Her insights serve as a reminder to cherish connections and live with purpose.
As she continues to honor Boseman’s legacy, Nyong’o remains committed to her craft and to keeping his memory alive. Her reflections serve as poignant reminders of the profound impact that loss can have on individuals, as well as the ways in which it can shape artistic expression.
