Actor and producer Charles F. Porter, who starred in the 2011 TV movie "Wendell Scott: A Race Story," died Nov. 2 after a long battle with cancer, his wife, Candice Tab-Porter, confirmed. He was 47.
After 18 "incredible" years together, Tab-Porter announced her husband's death in a Facebook post, saying she was honored to have been by his side and truly believes "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. "He lived the highest standard of integrity, never compromised his values, led by example and always did what he said he was going to do. He found beauty in the little things and never complained about his battle,
he always just said it’s part of our journey and tried to find the silver lining."
Together, the pair welcomed daughters Layla Rose Porter, 9, and Juliette Jasmine Porter, 6.
"I am forever grateful that our girls got to spend their earliest years being raised by a true hero. And while our time together as a family was far too short, the love, wisdom, strength, and impact he had on their lives will be everlasting, and we will carry them forever," Tab-Porter wrote.
She continued: "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. We lived life to the fullest, made beautiful memories, and did everything we ever dreamed of doing. He made every moment count. Because of him we lived many lives in the beautiful 18 years we were given."
Charles F. Porter produced Lifetime's 'Finding Faith'
Born in the U.K. in 1979, Porter initially found success in sports, playing defensive end at Duke University before a back injury and 65-pound weight loss prompted him to pursue acting.
Porter's early TV appearances included roles in 2000s shows such as "House," "Bones," "The Parkers" and "Without a Trace." He worked both in front of and behind the camera as a producer on Image Entertainment's 2006 horror thriller "Nailed."
He is best known for his starring role in ESPN's 2011 film "Wendell Scott: A Race Story," in which he portrayed the first Black driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race.
Most recently, he served as a producer on the 2025 Lifetime movie "Finding Faith."
Along with his wife, Candice Tab-Porter, and their two daughters, Porter is survived by his mother, Dorothy Fourmeax; brother, Sydney Sparks-Fourmeax; sister, Natalie Zore; mother-in-law, Jeeny Miller; sister-in-law and producing partner, Renée Tab; brothers-in-law, Amir Tab and Chris Tuffin.
"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," Tab-Porter concluded her statement. "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."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Charles F. Porter, 'Wendell Scott' actor, dies at 47 after cancer battle
