Shaq Reflects on Meeting Chadwick Boseman Last Year: ‘He Will Definitely Be Missed’

Hollywood continues to mourn Chadwick Boseman, and many say they never knew he was sick. “Extra's” Billy Bush caught up with NBA great Shaquille O'Neal who reflected on meeting the “Black Panther” star.

Shaq, who is still mourning his friend Kobe Bryant who died in January, said the loss of Chadwick is a big one as well. “It's a really big loss,” he said, sharing, “You know what's crazy, I had to ask somebody was Wakanda a real place? That's how much I was into the movie… But look, Chadwick did a great job…. He will definitely, definitely be missed.”

Boseman was on set with Shaq during an episode of “Inside the NBA,” in October of 2019. “He was nice. He was smooth. He was eloquent,” O'Neal said. “And I never knew he was sick… Just shows what type of guy he was. Even though he was sick he was still out working, doing stuff in the community.”

Shaq is doing his part for the community as well, Shaquille O'Neal Foundation is teaming up with JCPenny for the Ready for Anything Challenge. “I want to help inspire and encourage kids,” he said. “They're all going through hard times especially with going back to school.”

His message for kids who looked up to Kobe and Chadwick? “You just have to tell 'em to remember all the good times... they will definitely be missed, they will definitely be around forever.”