Charles F. Porter, ‘Finding Faith’ Producer and Actor, Dies at 47

Charles F. Porter, the actor and producer behind the 2025 film Finding Faith, has died at 47. His family told The Hollywood Reporter that he died Monday at his home in Calabasas after living with Hodgkin lymphoma for 17½ years.

Porter produced Finding Faith, which starred Paula Patton, Loretta Devine and Keith David. Written and directed by LazRael Lison, the film was made with Summer House Pictures and Third Eye Productions, released in theaters through Fathom Entertainment and later aired on Lifetime.

As founder of Black Bench Productions, Porter developed, packaged, produced and financed independent films. He championed stories about faith, family, resilience and redemption, while seeking to create opportunities for Black artists and filmmakers. His other producing credits included BET+ titles A Miracle Before Christmas (2022) and Christmas Angel (2023), as well as the films Nailed (2006), Battered (2014) and Grace Point (2023). He also acted in Nailed and Battered.

Porter appeared on television in The Parkers, House, Without a Trace and Bones. In 2011, he played pioneering Black NASCAR driver Wendell Scott in the ESPN film Wendell Scott: A Race Story. His other film appearances included Holla, Johnny Was and Peppermint.

Born in Oxford, England, Porter moved to the United States at age 3. He attended Duke University, earned a degree in cultural anthropology and played football for four years as a defensive tackle. A back injury ended his goal of playing professionally. He later moved to Los Angeles in 2002.

At the time of his death, Porter was an executive producer and early investor on Last Meals, an upcoming feature starring Mads Mikkelsen, Boyd Holbrook, Tessa Thompson and Michael Shannon. He was also developing a slate of faith-based films.

Beyond film, Porter worked as a model and published three poetry books: Get to Know, Choose Your Path and Enjoying the Journey. He coached youth football, worked as a personal trainer and mentor, and founded Brainwashed for Greatness, an initiative focused on positivity and personal growth.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Candice Tab Porter, and their daughters, Layla Rose and Juliette Jasmine, as well as other family members. His family said his guiding philosophy was: “Never Quit.”

Sources: The Hollywood Reporter.