He fought bravely for more than a decade.
But now, actor and producer Charles F. Porter has passed away, leaving behind a wife and two young daughters.
A man of incredible integrity
Porter was perhaps best known for starring in the 2011 TV movie Wendell Scott: A Race Story, where he portrayed NASCAR trailblazer Wendell Scott. He also worked as a producer, most recently on Lifetime’s 2025 movie Finding Faith.
After 18 “incredible” years together, his wife, Candice Tab-Porter, announced his death in a heartfelt Facebook post.
She described herself as honored to have stood by his side and said she truly believed “that God brought us to each other for a reason.”
“I am honored Charles taught me how to be present, live in the moment and enjoy all the beauty that life had to offer,” she wrote.
She remembered him as a man of incredible integrity who never compromised his values, led by example and always kept his word. Even throughout his difficult battle, he rarely complained, choosing instead to see it as part of their journey and look for the silver lining.
Welcomed two daughters
Together, the couple welcomed two daughters, Layla Rose, 9, and Juliette Jasmine, 6.
“I am forever grateful that our girls got to spend their earliest years being raised by a true hero,” Candice wrote. She added that although their time together as a family was far too short, the love, wisdom and strength he gave their daughters would stay with them forever.
Her tribute also revealed just how deeply they loved each other.
“We loved each other so deeply, and even after all that time I still got butterflies when I saw his car coming up the street just knowing he was coming home to us,” she shared.
They had lived life to the fullest, made beautiful memories and fulfilled their dreams together.
“He made every moment count. Because of him we lived many lives in the beautiful 18 years we were given.”
A talented athlete
Born in Oxford, England, to an American father and an English mother, Porter moved to the United States as a child. He went on to become a talented college athlete, playing Division I football at Duke University.
However, a back injury ultimately ended his hopes of pursuing a professional career in the NFL, according to his website biography.
Porter was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2010, beginning a long and difficult battle with the disease. He underwent a stem cell transplant in 2011 but the cancer returned three more times.
In 2023, Porter spoke openly about how the disease had changed his outlook on life in an interview with Stand Up To Cancer.
“Cancer has had a major hand in shaping me into the man that I am today,” he said.
“Yes, cancer has created challenges — causing sadness, pain, anger, and uncertainty — while at the same time bringing much joy, celebration, and, most importantly, a greater appreciation for life moment to moment.”
His wife’s heartbreaking promise
Despite the challenges, he continued to pursue his career in entertainment. In 2025, he produced the independent film Finding Faith, starring Paula Patton, Loretta Devine and Keith David.
Beyond his wife and children, Porter is survived by his mother, Dorothy Fourmeaux, his brother and sister, and several other family members.
His wife Candice ended her heartbreaking tribute with a promise to keep his memory alive.
“Until we meet again I will be looking for every eagle, deer and #52 I can find, knowing that you will always still be with us,” she wrote.
“This is a loss we will never fully recover from, but we will spend the rest of our lives honoring you and the beautiful legacy you leave behind. I love you forever and ever.”
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