Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman has died aged 43.
A statement posted to Boseman's Twitter account says the actor was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016 and has battled it for the last four years "as it progressed to stage IV". He had kept his illness private.
"A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much".
It lists films such as Marshall and the recent Da 5 Bloods, movies that were filmed during and between "countless surgeries and chemotherapy".
But Boseman was arguably best known for his role in Marvel's Black Panther film. He first appeared as the well-known comic book character in 2016's Captain America: Civil War, before starring in his own film.
That film grossed more than US$1.3 billion at the global box office and was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Near-universally acclaimed, Black Panther has been deemed culturally significant for its representation for African-American actors and treatment of characters.
Following his death, The Academy Twitter account said the actor's passing was an "immeasurable loss" and that Boseman had "brought strength and light to the screen, every time".
Boseman and the Black Panther cast won a Screen Actors Guild Award for their performances in that film.
He would later return as the character in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, the latter of which is the highest-grossing film of all-time.
"It was the honour of his career to bring King T'Challa to life in Black Panther," the statement says.
A second Black Panther film was in development.
Boseman was last on audiences' screens in June with Da 5 Bloods, a film from director Spike Lee.
"He died in his home with his wife and family by his side. The family thanks you for you love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time".
