Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman has passed away aged 43 after a four-year battle with cancer.
The actor had been diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and had not discussed his illness publicly.
The news was confirmed in a statement posted on his Instagram late on Friday, which read: "It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman.
"Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV.
"A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much.
"From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.
"It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.
"He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.
"The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time."
Boseman came to the forefront playing real-life figures in Hollywood biopics such as baseball great Jackie Robinson in 2013's 42, and soul singer James Brown in 2014's Get on Up.
However, he was best known for playing Black Panther, a blockbuster 2018 film widely seen as a cultural milestone for having a largely black cast and a black director, Ryan Coogler.
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Boseman said last year that the film had changed what it means to be "young, gifted and black".
The news of his death came as a shock to many as Boseman never discussed his diagnosis publicly.
