Tributes have poured in for Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, following the American actor's death at the age of 43.
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In a shock statement on Friday, Boseman's family announced he had died surrounded by his loved ones following a four-year battle with colon cancer.
He had never discussed the disease publicly and had worked on blockbuster films throughout his treatment, the family said.
"A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much," a statement added.
His death stunned Hollywood and tributes have flooded in from across the entertainment industry and beyond.
Jordan Peele, director of horror film Get Out, described Boseman's death as a "crushing blow".
Marvel, the studio behind the massively successful Black Panther, which made Boseman a global superstar, said his "legacy will live on forever".
Mark Ruffalo, who starred alongside Boseman in the Marvel films, playing Hulk, paid tribute.
"It was the highest honour getting to work with you and getting to know you. What a generous and sincere human being," he said.
"You believed in the sacred nature of the work and gave your all. Much love to your family. And much love from all of us left here."
Ruffalo added: "All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman. What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya. Rest in power, King."
Joe Biden, the Democratic Party's presidential nominee, praised Boseman's impact, saying his portrayal of Black Panther "inspired generations".
"The true power of @ChadwickBoseman was bigger than anything we saw on screen. From the Black Panther to Jackie Robinson, he inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want - even super heroes," he said.
Biden added he and wife Jill were praying for Boseman's loved ones. His running mate, Kamala Harris, also paid tribute.
Boseman's final tweet was a picture of himself alongside Harris, congratulating her on the nomination.
"Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family," Harris said.
Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry shared a picture of Boseman and said: "Here's to an incredible man with immeasurable talent, who leaned into life regardless of his personal battles.
"You never truly know what the people around you might be going through - treat them with kindness and cherish every minute you have together. RIP #ChadwickBoseman."
The NAACP, one of the leading civil rights groups in the US, shared a tribute to Boseman on Twitter.
Boseman's portrayal of Marvel superhero Black Panther was lauded as an important landmark in the fight for wider representation in Hollywood.
"For showing us how to conquer adversity with grace... For showing us how to "Say it Loud!"... For show us how to walk as a King, without losing the common touch.... For showing us just how powerful we are... Thank you #ChadwickBoseman #RestInPower #BlackPantherForever," the NAACP wrote.
Australian Associated Press