When Chadwick Boseman was honored with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, his wife Simone Ledward cried and put down her shoes.

Trigger warning: This article contains references to a person’s death.

Late actor Chadwick Boseman, best known for his iconic role as Black Panther, was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In an emotional ceremony held on 20 November, his wife, Simone Ledward-Bosman, placed a pair of her shoes on the star, symbolically allowing him to “step” onto the memorial. The event was attended by family, friends and co-stars from his most famous films.

Simone, who married Chadwick privately a few months before his death, also brought a framed photograph of the actor to the ceremony. They shared the moment with Chadwick’s brothers, Derrick and Kevin Boseman, honoring his legacy and his life. "Chad was more than an actor or an artist," She said as reported by E! news. "He was the firm spiritual leader of the family; close friends who kept him close in the faith; A team that believed in him, protected him, and fought for him; Colleagues who trusted his vision, who lifted him up and created a real brotherhood."

How Chadwick Boseman inspired generations

The ceremony was attended by prominent figures from Chadwick’s career, including his Black Panther co-star Michael B. Jordan and Letitia Wright as well as the film’s director Ryan Coogler. Coogler remembered Chadwick as an incredibly generous person and said that even when he knew his days were limited, he continued to contribute to his art and devoted himself completely to his work.

Viola Davis, who starred with Chadwick in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, said that his work reminded people that they were less alone and made him more than just an actor giving amazing performances on screen.

Chadwick Boseman began his career in theater and television before moving into film. He first appeared as T’Challa/Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War (2016) and later led the standalone Black Panther (2018), becoming the first Black actor to headline a Marvel franchise. Coogler said that despite privately battling colon cancer for four years, he continued to act, performing his own stunts and remaining fully committed to his roles.

During the ceremony, Simone reflected on Chadwick’s influence. "Chad taught us all a lot. His heart was so big that he could give a unique part of himself to each person and he still had so much left to share with the world," He said. He continued, addressing Chadwick directly: "We recognize your skill and your devotion, and we present your legacy as a hero and an icon. You lived with honor and followed the truth. You were as beautiful as you were talented, as kind as you were courageous. We love you. we miss you. we thank you."

Disney CEO Bob Iger was also present at the ceremony, along with Chadwick’s family and friends, which was a moment to celebrate the late actor’s career and lasting impact on Hollywood.