REMEMBERING CHADWICK BOSEMAN

The British American Drama Academy family is deeply saddened by the news of Midsummer in Oxford alumnus (1998) Chadwick Boseman’s untimely passing.

Ian Wooldridge, BADA’s former Dean & Director, remembers working on sonnets and scenes from Romeo & Juliet with Chadwick in Oxford: “Chadwick was diligent, enthusiastic, with a great wit; generous and a joy to work with in the room. He was always smiling. He had a tremendous relationship with language and text. He knew how to use it and relish it. His body of work is immense for someone who was still so young. He was special.”

Since his starring role as Jackie Robinson in “42” in 2013, we have heard from actors auditioning for our programs about their deep admiration for Chadwick and how his thoughtful and moving performances influenced their work. Many have said that they were auditioning specifically to train at BADA so as to follow in his footsteps.

This has only increased in recent years and Chadwick’s enduring legacy will include not just his talent, his kindness, the people he embodied and the characters he brought to life, but also the next generation of talented actors whom he inspired.

BADA’s Trustees, Administration, and Faculty send our deepest condolences to Chadwick’s family, friends, and fans.

(Header Photo: Chadwick Boseman, center, from the 1998 Midsummer in Oxford program group photo. Inline photo: Chadwick Boseman and Heather McCuen at Balliol College, University of Oxford, during the 1998 Midsummer in Oxford Program; photo courtesy of Heather McCuen.)