Simone Boseman: Grief's Gentle Unfolding

Five years after Chadwick Boseman's death, his wife Simone Ledward Boseman shares her journey through grief. She reflects that "the edges of grief get less sharp over time," noting that five years serves as a significant marker. Ledward Boseman is making a rare public appearance to support the UK premiere of her late husband's play, "Deep Azure," currently in previews at London's Shakespeare's Globe.

Boseman's death in August 2020 at age 43 shocked the world, especially as his terminal colorectal cancer diagnosis had been kept private since 2016. He worked tirelessly throughout his treatment, filming seven movies, including "Black Panther," and insisted on not being treated differently. This dedication to his work and his desire for privacy meant their close circle was intentionally small.

The couple, who met in August 2014, cherished their privacy, a necessity amplified by Boseman's rising fame. Ledward Boseman recounts their love story, from their first meeting at the Hollywood Bowl to moving in together and eventually marrying in the autumn of 2019, shortly before his health declined sharply.

In the years since Boseman's passing, Ledward Boseman has focused on protecting his legacy, notably consulting on the "Black Panther" sequel. She has also begun a new chapter, planning a wine bar and pursuing her music career as sahn, releasing her second album, "the garden," in May 2026. She emphasizes that Chadwick "changed my whole life," acting as her most important spiritual teacher.

"Deep Azure," a play by Chadwick Boseman addressing the aftermath of police brutality and collective grief, is now being revived for a nine-week run at Shakespeare's Globe. This production holds significance as it explores themes resonating with Boseman's own experiences and provides a platform for communal healing and remembrance.