The wife of the late Hollywood actor Chadwick Boseman gave a powerful speech while accepting an award on his behalf at the Creative Arts Emmys.
Taylor Simone Ledward, 31, married Marvel film star Chadwick shortly before he lost his life following a secret battle against cancer in 2020 at the age of 43.
On Saturday, the late actor was awarded the Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance gong at the Creative Arts Emmys for his performance as Star Lord T’Challa in the animated Marvel TV series What If…? In an episode titled What If… T’Challa Became A Star-Lord?
The actor won the award over late actress Jessica Waler, who died aged 80 in March last year, for her voice work in the adult comedy animation Archer, as well as F. Murray Abraham who voiced Khonshu in the recent Marvel live action TV show Moon Knight.
Picking up the award on behalf of Chadwick, his widowed wife said, according to Deadline: “When I learned Chad was nominated, I started thinking of everything that was going on in the world and our world and being so in awe of his commitment and dedication and what a beautiful moment that one of the last things he would work on was something so important to him and to the world but also something new.
“You can’t understand your purpose unless you ask what if?
“What if the universe is conspiring in my favor? What if it’s me?”
She added: “Chad would be so honored and I am honored on his behalf.”
Others nominated in the category included Dame Julie Andrews for her work as the voice of Lady Whistledown in Bridgerton, Maya Rudolph as Connie in Big Mouth, Stanley Tucci as Bitsy in Central Park, and Jeffrey Wright as The Watcher in What If…?
Fans were devastated in August 2020 when it was revealed Chadwick had died following a secret battle with cancer.
An announcement stated at the time: "It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman.
"Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV.
"A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much.
"From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.
It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.”
Marvel took to Twitter following Chadwick’s posthumous win to highlight his success.
They wrote: “Thank you to the Television Academy for recognizing the outstanding work of our King, the late Chadwick Boseman.”
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