Chadwick Boseman has died at the age of 43 following a private four-year battle with colon cancer.

The actor - lead in the acclaimed MCU movie Black Panther - passed away in Los Angeles in Friday with his wife and family by his side.

Boseman notoriously kept his private life private, so much so that his marriage was not public until after his death, and he continued to work on big-screen projects in between chemotherapy sessions and surgeries.

A statement posted on the star's Twitter account read: "It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman. Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 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 honor of his career to bring King T'Challa to life in Black Panther.

"The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time."

Boseman's extensive CV also includes 42, in which he portrayed baseball legend Jackie Robinson, and a star turn as James Brown in Get On Up.