Shazam 's Zachary Levi on His Father's Recent Death from Thyroid Cancer: 'Lots of Tears'
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John Russo/Contour/Getty Zachary Levi
Zachary Levi is grieving his dad following his death from thyroid cancer.
The Shazam! Fury of the Gods star, 42, tells PEOPLE in this week's issue that the last time he cried was when he lost his father this past January.
"He was just a shell of a person at the end, so lots of tears about that," says Levi. "But I'm grateful I'm able to tap into the love."
The actor shared the sad news that his beloved "Papa D" had died in an Instagram post on Jan. 29, writing that "though he fought valiantly until the end, my pop passed away peacefully a few days ago, surrounded by friends and family."
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He continued, "Watching anyone slowly die of cancer is one of the worst experiences I can attest to. But knowing that he's no longer trapped in his decaying body, and now singing karaoke in heaven gives me so much peace and joy. And, knowing how many of you were continuously sending him love, and thoughts, and prayers gives me even more faith in humanity. Know that he felt and appreciated it all, as did our whole family."
"Thank you for your overwhelming kindness thru such a difficult time," Levi concluded. "Sending you all endless love and light right back."
Earlier that month, the Chuck alum revealed to fans that his 76-year-old father was fighting thyroid cancer, and asked for prayers at the time.
"Sittin in my dad's hospital room with him. He's not doin so hot right now," Levi wrote on Twitter, in response to a user who asked him what he was up to. "The thyroid cancer just won't quit, and is slowly overtaking his trachea."
"Doctor's may have a trick or two still up their sleeves to offer him a bit more time, but Papa D is not long for this world," the actor added.
When a fan asked what the star needed at the moment, he shared his own perspective on mortality.
"I'm doin just fine, Alex, but thanks. Death does not sadden or frighten me," he wrote in a follow-up tweet. "It's actually an incredibly powerful part of life. One that we'll all reach one day. Where we get to go back to God, the source, and be surrounded by the highest vibration of energy, love."
On Jan. 29, the Tangled voice star offered more on his philosophy regarding family and death.
"Hug those you love. Hug 'em tight," Levi wrote in a caption alongside his post. "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. ❤️🙏"
For more on Zachary Levi, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday.
