Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman dies after colon cancer battle

The 43-year-old found out he had cancer four years ago but did not reveal his diagnosis to the public.

Chadwick Boseman in Black Panther

Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman has died aged 43 after a four-year fight with colon cancer.

He died at home in Los Angeles with his wife and family by his side, his publicist Nicki Fioravante said.

The actor had not revealed his cancer diagnosis to the public.

Boseman played black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown early in his career before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe.

His T'Challa character was introduced to the Marvel movies in 2016's Captain America: Civil War, and his Wakanda Forever salute became famous after the release of Black Panther two years ago.

Black Panther - the first major studio superhero movie featuring a predominantly African-American cast - became the ninth highest grossing film of all time and the highest grossing film by a black director.

It was also the first superhero film to get an Oscar nomination for best picture.

More from Chadwick Boseman

• Chadwick Boseman: Why did Black Panther have such a huge impact?

• Chadwick Boseman: Marvel actors' tributes after Black Panther star's shock death

A message on his official Twitter account read: "It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman.

Image:Chadwick Boseman won Outstanding Actor for Black Panther at the NAACP Image Awards

"Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last four 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 honour of his career to bring King TChalla to life in Black Panther."

"This is a crushing blow" actor and director Jordan Peele said on Twitter, while actor and writer Issa Rae said: "This broke me".