Shazam star Zachary Levi reveals his father has died of cancer… after ... trends now
Zachary Levi on Sunday revealed on social media that his father Darrell Pugh has died after a battle with cancer.
The Shazam! Fury Of The Gods star, 42, was also involved in a controversial online stir earlier Sunday after he posted a critical tweet of the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, quote tweeting a post from an account espousing anti-vaccine views that claimed the company was 'a real danger to the world.'
Levi on Sunday took to the site with a message informing his followers that his father had tragically passed away a few days earlier, after a battle with cancer.
The latest: Zachary Levi, 42, took to Twitter Monday evening to ask for prayers for his father Darrell Pugh, who he said appears to be in the final stages of a cancer battle
He shared a heartbreaking message titled Papa D and wrote: 'Many of you have been asking for an update on my dad, Darrell. Though he fought valiantly until the end, my pop passed away peacefully a few days ago, surrounded by friends and family.'
The American Underdog star continued: 'Watching anyone slowly die of cancer is one of the worst experiences I can attest to. But knowing that he is no longer trapped in his decaying body, and now singing karaoke in heaven, gives me so much peace and joy.'
The star emotionally expressed that all the 'love' and 'prayers' that were sent to his father has given him'even more faith in humanity. Know that he felt and appreciated it all, as did our whole family.'
In conclusion, Zachary added, 'Sending you all endless love and light right back.' Along with the message, the actor additionally added a caption to the post, where he emphasized the importance of family.
Heartbreaking message: The star wrote out in a message that, 'Though he fought valiantly until the end, my pop passed away peacefully a few days ago, surrounded by friends and family'
Response: The actor received a number of supportive responses from his colleagues in the entertainment industry and beyond
The Lake Charles, Louisiana captioned the post, 'Hug those you love. Hug ‘em tight. Talk about everything you need to talk about. Say all the things. And when the time comes, release them to journey back to where it all began. Back to paradise. A place we’ll all be so lucky to return to some day.'
The actor received a number of supportive responses from his colleagues in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Among those to send kind messages in response to the announcement included Mandy Moore, James Gunn, Lucy Liu, Chrissy Metz, Yung Pueblo, Jai Courtney, Steven Ogg and Peter Facinelli, among others.
Moore said, 'Sending you and your family all my love, Zac,' while Metz said, 'Praying for a beautiful transition for your Dad. May peace surround you and your family.'
Sunday's sad news came about two weeks after the actor took to Twitter to ask for prayers for his father in the final stages of a cancer battle.
'Sittin in my dad’s hospital room with him,' the actor said. 'He’s not doin so hot right now. The thyroid cancer just won’t quit, and is slowly overtaking his trachea ... Papa D is not long for this world.'
Levi had past posted a clip of his father in late November, ahead of a surgery he was set to undergo in the ongoing cancer battle.
'Thank you all for your continued and humbling show of love, and light, and thoughts, and prayers, and just overall intentional, positive energy that you have sent his, and our, way,' he said. 'It has meant more than any of these words can really say.'
Fighting: In November, Zachary, who was previously married to actress Missy Peregrym, gave an update about his father's health battle
Tough times: The actor earlier this month told a fan he was with his ailing father who was hospitalized in the late stage of his cancer battle
Levi earlier Sunday was slammed online after he posted a critical tweet of the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer in the early hours of Sunday.
The Shazam! Fury Of The Gods star, 42, set off the controversy after he quote tweeted a post from an account espousing anti-vaccine views that claimed Pfizer was 'a real danger to the world.'
Levi, whose new DC Comics film is set to hit theaters on March 17, wrote in his retweet: 'Hardcore agree.'
Although Levi was expressing a personal opinion, he is now a figure within Warner Bros brand - and this latest move could mark the beginning of yet another publicity battle for the film and TV studio.
This is the latest embarrassing feat in a myriad of issues embattled Warner has had in trying to promote films starring controversial characters.
DC Studios, a division of Warner Bros, is the film and
