‘Wendell Scott’ Star Charles F. Porter Dies at 47 After Cancer Battle
Charles F. Porter, the actor who portrayed pioneering NASCAR driver Wendell Scott and later produced the inspirational film Finding Faith, has died at 47.
Porter died on November 2 at his home in Calabasas, California, following a prolonged battle with Hodgkin lymphoma. His wife, Candice Tab-Porter, confirmed his death in a tribute reflecting on their 18 years together and the family they built.
From College Football to Acting
Born in Oxford, England, in 1979, Porter initially pursued a future in professional sports. He played defensive end at Duke University, but a back injury ended his hopes of reaching the NFL and prompted a change in direction.
He went on to establish a screen career, appearing in television series including The Parkers, House, Bones and Without a Trace. He also worked as both an actor and producer on the 2006 horror thriller Nailed.
One of his most notable performances came in ESPN’s 2011 film Wendell Scott: A Race Story. Porter played the title role, bringing to the screen the story of the first Black driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race. His other acting credits included Johnny Was and Peppermint.
Building a Career Behind the Camera
Porter expanded his work through Black Bench Productions, the company he founded to develop independent films exploring faith, family, resilience and redemption while creating opportunities for Black artists and filmmakers.
His producing credits included the BET+ films A Miracle Before Christmas and Christmas Angel. He also helped bring Finding Faith to audiences in 2025. Written and directed by LazRael Lison, the film starred Paula Patton, Loretta Devine and Keith David and received a theatrical release before airing on Lifetime.
His Wife Remembers a Devoted Father
In her farewell, Candice remembered Porter as a loving husband and father whose integrity and appreciation for everyday life remained constant throughout his illness.
She described how he continued to find happiness in small moments and expressed gratitude for the influence he had on their daughters, Layla Rose, 9, and Juliette Jasmine, 6.
Although their time as a family had been cut short, she said his love, wisdom and strength would remain part of their children’s lives.
Porter is survived by his wife and daughters, his mother, Dorothy Fourmeax, his brother, Sydney Sparks-Fourmeax, and his sister, Natalie Zore.
