When Super Heroes Die!

in OCD4 years ago

I am not sure what rock I have been hiding under for the last several days. When I turned on the TV this morning (to act as a second monitor for work), I saw a segment about the death of actor Chadwick Boseman.

I was stunned. The only certainty in life is death. Even super heroes die (onscreen and off)!

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source

Chadwick Boseman - The Black Panther

Although Boseman starred in many biopics playing the roles of James Brown, Jackie Robinson and Thurgood Marshall, he is probably best known for his recurring role as Blank Panther in the Marvel Universe. source

  • Captain America: Civil War (2016)
  • Black Panther (2018)
  • Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
  • Avengers: Endgame (2019)

In Black Panther, Boseman played T’Challa, the leader of a fictional, technologically advanced kingdom known as Wakanda. Boseman's fascination with T'Challa dates back to his college days at Howard university. source

With earnings over $1.3 billion, Black Panther is one of the most successful movies of all time. The movie also prides itself on highlighting African culture and its majority black cast.

On Friday, August 28, 2020, Boseman passed away as a result of stage 4 colon cancer with his family by his side. Boseman was just 43 years old. source

Christoper Reeve - Superman

Reeve starred in many movies but he is most well known for his role as Superman in the original Superman film series. source

  • Superman (1978)
  • Superman II (1981)
  • Superman III (1983)
  • Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987)

Although Superman was more "faster than a speeding bullet," "more powerful than a locomotive," and "able to leap tall buildings at a single bound," Reeve showed his humanity on on May 27, 1995.

Reeve began horse riding and even entered competitions to show off his abilities. At an event in Culpepper, Virginia, Reeve's horse suddenly stopped at the third jump throwing Reeve to the ground. source

When he finally woke up after the accident, the doctor informed Reeve that he had destroyed his first and second cervical vertebrae in the fall. Reeve was paralyzed from the neck down. source

On October 10, 2004, Reeve passed away at the age of 52. He continued his acting career and become an advocate for people who were impact by paralysis until his death. source

Final Thoughts


The actor who played the most well known superhero of my childhood passed away when I was a teenager. The actor who played one of the most popular superheroes of my adulthood was only 3 years older than I am when he passed.

Their untimely deaths and battles with tragedy are important reminders that life is precious and meaningful. Their stories push me to live every moment as if it were my last.

I hope to love well. I hope to give my all. I hope to take advantage of every moment. I hope to make a difference.

And I hope to never give up.

Shortly after his accident, Reeve contemplated suicide. The pain was excruciating and the outlook was bleak. His wife looked at him and said...

I am only going to say this once: I will support whatever you want to do because this is your life, and your decision. But I want you to know that I'll be with you for the long haul, no matter what. You're still you. And I love you. source

Reeve choose to live - in pursuit of a new purpose and with devotion to family.

The measure of a "superhero" is not based on how he (or she) lives life with superpowers. They show their true character when we see them walk through life in all of the weaknesses.

It seemed like Boseman and Reeve tried to live up to the our realistic expectations of them until the very end. They were mere mortals who played our heroes on the big screen. And when it was their time, they breathed their last breath.

@SumatraNate

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