Another Tragic Detail About Chadwick Boseman Was Just Brought To Light

Chadwick Boseman died suddenly and unexpectedly on Aug. 23, 2020, and the loss really hasn't gotten any easier. The actor, known for his starring role in Black Panther as T'Challa, had secretly battled colon cancer for years, with not even his closest colleagues aware of his prognosis. Boseman's decision to keep his diagnosis private was two-fold: he didn't want people to fuss over him, but he also was motivated by real fears that Hollywood wouldn't cast him if they knew the truth.

Despite not publicly disclosing his illness, Boseman volunteered with children sharing his ailment, often staying at hospitals long past when he was expected to ensure he visited every child who wanted to meet the superhero star. Even during the coronavirus lockdown, Boseman worked around travel restrictions and other barriers to deliver toys to sick children. The actor carries an immense legacy, leaving behind a widow, a million-dollar estate, and, according to documents obtained by The Blast, no will.

In a surprising turn of events, Chadwick Boseman apparently died without leaving behind any legal will. According to The Blast, Boseman's estate is valued at $939,000, most of which is listed as "personal property." His widow, Taylor Leward, has filed a probate case in Los Angeles County seeking to become the executor of his estate. The two were dating before his diagnosis and married in a private ceremony in 2019. 

This development does open some new and strange questions. First, it seems odd that Boseman would not leave behind any legally binding will, having battled cancer for four years and being aware, at least by the end, that his prognosis was terminal. The dollar value of his estate, sitting just below a million dollars, also begs some questions. As the star of three of the highest-grossing films of all time, including one as the unequivocal lead role, one would expect his estate to be valued higher. It is possible, however, that this figure only represents physical property and not money in the bank.

In any case, our thoughts remain with Leward, who is undoubtedly still working through an incredibly difficult grieving period, now with this added wrinkle.