Happy Birthday! Chadwick Boseman Turns 40 Years Old Today

Let’s all wish a very happy birthday to Chadwick Boseman. The actor turns 40 years old today.

In November 1976, Boseman was born in South Carolina to his father Leroy and mother. The actor had a passion for film growing up and eventually earned a BFA in Directing from Howard University before he attended the British American Drama Academy in Oxford, England. After university, Boseman began working as a drama instructor in New York before moving to Los Angeles in 2008 to pursue his acting career.

Boseman’s professional career began in 2003 when he nabbed a role in Third Watch. He went on to star in series like Law & Order and ER while also performing in stage plays. His first starring role came in 2013 when he was cast as Jackie Robinson in 42. The role made Boseman a critical darling and helped him secure roles in Draft Day and Get on Up where he played James Brown.

Most recently, fans know Boseman for his work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The actor was cast as T’Challa/The Black Panther and made his on-screen debut in Captain America: Civil War. The actor will reprise the character in a solo film based on the hero, and fans expect Black Panther to star in Avengers: Infinity War as well.

Earlier this year, ComicBook.com’s Jim Viscardi had an opportunity to speak with Boseman, and the actor said he was involved with Black Panther‘s inner workings. In fact, the actor admitted that he knew who Marvel Studios wanted to bring onto the film before offers went out.

“I knew before they had completely decided that that’s who they wanted,” Chadwick explained. “I don’t necessarily get to decide but definitely was excited about where they were going, hoping it’d happen, and I’m glad it did.”

Black Panther is slated to hit theaters on February 16, 2018.