According to his family’s statement, Boseman was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2016 and fought it for four years. He never spoke publically about his diagnosis, but persevered in his acting career, bringing the role of T’Challa, the Black Panther, to the screen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, among others. 

Boseman, 43, died at home with his wife, Taylor Simone Ledward, and family by his side, his publicist told the Associated Press.

“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” his family said in a statement. “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.”

“Chadwick’s passing is absolutely devastating,” said Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios. “He was our T’Challa, our Black Panther, and our dear friend. Each time he stepped on set, he radiated charisma and joy, and each time he appeared on screen, he created something truly indelible. He embodied a lot of amazing people in his work, and nobody was better at bringing great men to life. He was as smart and kind and powerful and strong as any person he portrayed. Now he takes his place alongside them as an icon for the ages. The Marvel Studios family deeply mourns his loss, and we are grieving tonight with his family.”

Walt Disney Co. chairman Bob Iger said, “We are all heartbroken by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman — an extraordinary talent, and one of the most gentle and giving souls I have ever met. He brought enormous strength, dignity, and depth to his groundbreaking role of Black Panther; shattering myths and stereotypes, becoming a long-awaited hero to millions around the world, and inspiring us all to dream bigger and demand more than the status quo. We mourn all that he was, as well as everything he was destined to become. For his friends and millions of fans, his absence from the screen is only eclipsed by his absence from our lives. All of us at Disney send our prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family.”

You can watch IMDB’s video honoring Boseman here.