Charles Porter Dies at 47 After Long Battle with Cancer

Charles Porter, a renowned actor and producer of inspirational films, has passed away at the age of 47. He died on Monday at his home in Calabasas after a long battle with Hodgkin lymphoma, which he had been fighting for nearly two decades.

Porter's family announced his passing, bringing an end to his courageous fight against cancer. The actor and producer leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond his own body of work. He was a passionate advocate for inspirational independent filmmaking, using his platform to champion stories of faith, family, resilience, and redemption.

As the founder of Black Bench Productions, Porter played a pivotal role in developing, packaging, producing, and financing indie films that showcased diverse perspectives and experiences. His company provided opportunities for Black artists and filmmakers to bring their unique voices and visions to the screen.

Charles Porter's filmography includes a range of titles, showcasing his versatility as a producer. His work on holiday-themed movies is particularly notable, having produced A Miracle Before Christmas in 2022 and Christmas Angel in 2023.

These films were created in collaboration with Summer House, highlighting Porter's ability to partner with other production companies on projects. The cast lists for these movies feature well-known actors, including Romeo Miller and Tamar Braxton.

Porter has also produced thrillers such as Nailed, released in 2006, and Battered, which came out in 2014. Notably, he starred in both of these films himself, demonstrating his range beyond production. His most recent thriller, Grace Point, was released in 2023.

Prior to his career in film and television, Porter attended several prestigious educational institutions, including Rumsey Hall and The Lawrenceville School. He then went on to Duke University, where he earned a degree in Cultural Anthropology and played football as one of the ACC's top defensive tackles.

Charles F. Porter's diverse career spanned multiple industries, including film production, modeling, writing, and youth coaching. As an executive producer and early investor on the upcoming feature "Last Meals, he brought together Sentient Entertainment and HanWay Films to bring this project to life with a star-studded cast featuring Mads Mikkelsen, Boyd Holbrook, Tessa Thompson, and Michael Shannon.

Porter's creative pursuits extended beyond film production. He had also worked as a successful model, gracing the pages of Italian Vogue and starring in an international Adidas campaign. Additionally, he walked the runway for the Ebony Fashion Fair, showcasing his versatility in the fashion world.

In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Porter was also a published author. His three poetry books - Get to Know", "Choose Your Path", and "Enjoying the Journey - demonstrated his writing talent. He was currently working on another book, B+", which drew inspiration from his experiences with bone marrow transplants.

Porter's personal life was marked by dedication to his loved ones and community. Alongside his wife of 18 years, Candice Tab Porter, he expressed gratitude for the care they received from the City of Hope and Dr. Stephen J. Forman. As a youth football coach, personal trainer, and mentor in Malibu, Calabasas, and Westlake Village, Porter had a profound impact on many young lives.

The late actor and producer's loved ones are mourning his passing. Survivors include his wife, an entertainment marketing executive and former publicist, as well as their two daughters, Layla Rose Porter, 9, and Juliette Jasmine Porter, 6.

His family is also grateful for the support of various relatives, including his mother Dorothy Fourmeax, brother Sydney Sparks-Fourmeax, sister Natalie Zore, and several in-laws, such as Jeeny Miller and Renée Tab.