The Nigerian film industry has witnessed a great loss of several of its talents over the last decade, ranging from prominent veterans to young budding stars.
This article highlights a selected number of Nigerian actors whose devastating demise happened within the last ten years.
15 Nigerian actors who died in the last decade
1. Cynthia Okereke
A year after she was kidnapped during a movie shoot in Enugu, renowned Nigerian actress, Cynthia Okereke passed away in July 2023. Okereke was predominantly known for playing the roles of a mother in several movies, as well as for her comic acting prowess. She passed away after a brief illness, according to the Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (Delta State Chapter), Emma Onyemeziem.
Okereke appeared on screen alongside notable contemporaries like Nkem Owoh, Pete Edochie, Rita Edochie, Mercy Johnson, Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme. Her resume featured memorable performances in films including King Jaja of Opobo, Lion Finger and Second Chance.
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2. Karibi Fubara
Kabiri Fubara (August 30, 1975-December 15, 2021) transitioned from a model and a stint in artiste management to acting. His talent extended beyond Nigeria’s borders as he notably worked with international stars, including Idris Elba and John Legend. He was also featured in US TV series and made memorable appearances in acclaimed Nigerian films.
In 2020, Fubara bravely shared his diagnosis of liver cancer and provided candid updates on his journey, including a successful surgery to remove a significant portion of the tumour in 2021. However, on December 15, 2021, Fubara passed away at the age of 46, in Dubai, leaving behind a legacy of talent and courage in the world of Nigerian entertainment.
3. Victor Olaotan
Victor Olaotan, renowned for his portrayal of “Fred Ade Williams” in the acclaimed Mnet-produced soap opera, Tinsel, etched an enduring legacy in the world of Nigerian television. He dedicated over seven years to this award-winning role. , In 2016, tragedy struck when the actor suffered a life-altering car accident en route to a movie set, leaving him incapacitated and prompting a hiatus from acting, he later passed away in August 2021 at the age of 69.
Beyond Tinsel, Olaotan left his mark on the industry with standout performances in works such as Lotanna, Three Wise Men and Alter Ego. His contributions to Nollywood are etched in Nigerians’ memory.
4. Ernest Asuzu
Ernest Asuzu, known by aliases such as El Cream, Don Dada and Ernesto Pesto, was born in 1971 and embarked on his acting career in the early 1990s. With a prolific filmography spanning decades, Asuzu left an indelible mark on the Nigerian film industry. He graced the screen in notable movies, including Highway to The Grave, Ogidan, Formidable Force, Last Wedding (2004), Blood Money (1997) and Hitler (2007).
In 2015, Asuzu first suffered a stroke that affected his speech, prompting his withdrawal from the movie scene. He battled with a stroke ever since and the talented actor subsequently passed away on January 26, 2021, in Imo State.
5. Murphy Afolabi
The sudden demise of the Yoruba film star, Murphy Afolabi, came as a profound shock, particularly given his soaring success amid a prolific career that encompassed over 100 movie productions. Beyond his acting prowess, Afolabi was also recognised as a skilled director, notably for films like Wasila Coded Reloaded (2022), Jimi Bendel (2016) and One Blood.
On May 14, 2023, just days after marking his 49th birthday, news of Afolabi’s untimely passing shook the industry. The sombre news was relayed by Seun Oloketuyi, President of the Yoruba Movies Directors Guild and founder of the Best of Nollywood Awards. It was reported that the actor succumbed to complications stemming from a slip-and-fall accident in his bathroom.
6. Sadiq Daba
In March 2021, Sadiq Daba, a prominent figure in both Nollywood and TV, passed away at the Ayinke General Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos. Before his death, fans and other professionals alike were moved by his valiant fight against prostate cancer and leukaemia and showed support for the aged actor.
Daba’s performance as “Inspector Waziri” in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 secured him an AMAA award for “Best Actor”. His extraordinary contributions to cinema include well-known films like Citation, Eagle Wings, and Seven.
7. Rachel Oniga
Rachel Oniga, born on May 23, 1957, in Ebute Metta, Lagos State, but originally from Eku, Delta State, was an influential figure in Nollywood. Her remarkable talent allowed her to seamlessly transition between Yoruba and English movie roles. She embarked on her acting journey with her first role in the movie, Onome. She left an indelible mark in both the English and Yoruba spheres of Nollywood.
This veteran actress departed from the world in July 2021 at the age of 64 due to heart-related issues. She graced the screens in high-profile productions such as Owo Blow, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, A Naija Christmas, Ana S’ana (2007), Power Of Sin, Restless Mind, Doctor Bello (2013), 30 Days in Atlanta (2014) and Chief Daddy.
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8. Saint Obi
On May 13, 2023, devastating news surfaced of the passing of renowned Nigerian actor, Saint Obi, at the age of 57, following a prolonged battle with illness. The Nollywood icon had been in and out of hospitals for over two years, ultimately succumbing to the ailment on Monday, May 8, 2023, in Jos, Plateau State, where he had sought treatment.
Throughout the late 90s and early 2000s, Saint Obi held sway in the Nigerian film industry. Despite maintaining a low profile in recent years, his fans yearned for his return to the screen. With a prolific career spanning over 60 Nollywood films, he also ventured into production. Notable works in his repertoire include State of Emergency, Final Whistle, Sakobi the Snake Girl and Take Me to Maama.
9. Okwy Chukujekwu
Chinonso Chukwujekwu, also known as Main Bossman Okwy, was a beloved figure in the Nollywood community. Renowned for his comic roles, he graced the screens in numerous Nigerian films, sharing credits with industry heavyweights such as Nkem Owoh, Charles Inojie, Yul Edochie and Charles Awurum. Chukwujekwu passed away on September 4, 2017.
The shocking news of Chukwujekwu’s demise came to light through a heartfelt message posted by his fellow industry peer, Odira Nwobu, on Instagram. Accompanying the sombre words was a poignant video showing Chukwujekwu’s lifeless form in the backseat of a car.
At the time of his death, Chukwujekwu was aged 27.
10. Peter Bunor
Many people were confused when Peter Bunor, an iconic Nigerian film actor and producer, disappeared from our screens. The reason behind this is the actor died in 2015 at the age of 60 as a result of complications from a stroke he had experienced five years earlier. Bunor was praised for his creativity in working with other notable Nollywood figures like Pete Edochie and Nkem Owoh. He made significant contributions to the business by giving outstanding performances in films like Polygamy 2, To Rise Again, Agony of a Mother and Deadly Kiss 2.
11. Bruno Iwuoha
Born on October 6, 1952, Bruno Obinna Iwuoha was a well-known name in Nigerian film industry. He passed away on April 10, 2021, at the age of 68, as a result of diabetic complications. Iwuoha appeared in several films during his career and made a lasting impression on viewers. He played noteworthy parts in films, including Worlds Apart, Magic Cap, Another Bondage, Occultic Battle and My Portfolio.
12. Adah Ameh
Born on May 15, 1974, in Ajegunle, Lagos, Adah Ameh graced the screens with her impeccable acting skills and a delightful sense of humour. She officially joined Nollywood, in 1995 and her career began to flourish.
The news of Ameh’s passing in July 2022 shook fans and followers of the popular TV series, The Johnsons. Ameh was said to be grappling with her health since the loss of her daughter in 2020. Her sudden demise occurred after she collapsed in Warri, Delta State.
Throughout her career, Ameh remained active in the movie scene, featuring in notable projects like Phone Swap, Oloture, Lockdown, Our Husband, and the highly renowned Nigerian television comedy series, The Johnsons. She was laid to rest on August 26, 2022, in her hometown of Otukpo, Benue State.
13. Samuel Obiago
Samuel Obiago, known for his versatile acting skills in Nollywood, passed away on December 24, 2021, at the age of 57, succumbing to complications arising from a stroke. Obiago’s repertoire included a diverse array of characters in films and television shows. His filmography featured notable works like Gifted, Tears Of A King, Woman Of Fire, Ghana Island, Royal Turning Point, Royal Appointment, Bargain and Combined Forces.
14. Muna Obiekwe
Muna Obiekwe was born in 1979 and was a beloved figure in Nollywood. During his acting career in the Nigerian film industry, he was often cast as a good-hearted or romantic character and this earned him a special place in the hearts of viewers. Some of his most notable works included roles in films like Men in Love, Eyes of the Gods, Not Man Enough, and The Princess of My Life.
He passed away on January 18, 2015, due to kidney-related issues. His untimely death was met with shock by fans and loved ones alike.
15. Leo Mezie
Leonard Chimezie Onyemachi, known as Leo Mezie, was born on January 25, 1976, in Abia State, Nigeria. His acting career garnered recognition with his performance in the 2003 movie, Labista. Over the years, he had the privilege of working alongside renowned names in the industry, including Francis Duru, Jackie Appiah, Zack Orji, Chidi Mokeme and Gentle Jack.
Leo Mezie passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2022, following a prolonged battle with kidney-related disease. The announcement of his passing was made by Nollywood actress, Chioma Toplis, on her Instagram page. Mezie, who had undergone a kidney transplant in 2018, faced further health complications related to a second kidney surgery he had a week before his death.
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