Tributes have been paid to Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman, following his death at the age of 43 after a battle with cancer.

In an announcement that stunned Hollywood, Boseman's family said he had been diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago and died surrounded by his loved ones, including wife Taylor Simone Ledward.

He never discussed the illness publicly and films including Black Panther, Da 5 Bloods and Avengers: Endgame were all filmed "during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy," the family said.

Announcing his death, the family said: "It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman. It was the honour of his life to bring King T'Challa to life in Black Panther.

"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.

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

Wandsworth Times:

The release of Black Panther in 2018, two years after Boseman was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer, was a landmark moment for representation in Hollywood.

Both the film and Boseman's portrayal of the titular superhero achieved universal acclaim as well as huge success at the box office.

It also sparked a worldwide celebration of African culture, with the character's famous "Wakanda Forever" salute inspiring millions of people to feel an added sense of pride in their African heritage.

A sequel, Black Panther 2, had been set for release in 2022, but it is unclear what will now happen with the film.

Born in South Carolina, Boseman originally wanted to become a writer and director, graduating from Howard University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing.

After moving to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career, Boseman's breakthrough role came in the 2013 film 42, in which he starred as baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson.

Boseman again assumed the role of a revered African American figure when he starred as soul singer James Brown in the 2014 film Get on Up.

His most recent film was Spike Lee's Da 5 Bloods, which arrived in June. He played a US soldier killed in action during the Vietnam War and was widely lauded for the performance.

Boseman was set to make a posthumous appearance alongside Viola Davis in upcoming drama film Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

Tributes to Boseman poured in from across a reeling Hollywood.

Oscar-winner Barry Jenkins and Marvel stars Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth and Chris Pratt paid tribute.

Chris Evans played Captain America and said: "I'm absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking. Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist.

"He had so much amazing work still left to create. I'm endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King."

Mastermind behind Marvel Cinematic Universe, Feige said: "Chadwick's passing is absolutely devastating. 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."

Executive chairman of the Walt Disney Company which owns Marvel, Robert 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."

The film academy described Boseman's death as an "immeasurable loss".