American actor Cadwick Boseman, best known for his role in Black Panther, has died after a four-year-long secret battle with colon cancer.

Los Angeles: American actor Chadwick Boseman, best known for his role in Black Panther, has died after a four-year-long secret battle with colon cancer. He was 43.

In a statement posted on his official Twitter handle, the actor's family said he was diagnosed with the disease in 2016.

Chadwick Boseman

He passed away at his residence with his wife and family by his side.

"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 the statement.

Chadwick Boseman tweet

"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 T'Challa to life in Black Panther," they added.

Boseman was best known for playing superhero king T'Challa aka Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.