Since 1990, the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, has mourned the loss of several prominent Igbo actors, actresses, and crew members. Below is a list of some of these individuals, along with available details about their lives and deaths:
- Jennifer Okere
- Date of Birth: August 30, 1968
- Place of Origin: Okolochi, Owerri West, Imo State, Nigeria
- Date of Death: June 28, 1999
- Notable Works: Living in Bondage, Glamour Girls
- Additional Information: Jennifer was a pioneering actress in Nollywood. She passed away under circumstances suggesting possible mistreatment due to delays in childbearing. Wikipedia
- Muna Obiekwe
- Date of Birth: 1979
- Date of Death: January 18, 2015
- Cause of Death: Kidney failure
- Notable Works: Men in Love, Eyes of the Gods, The Princess of My Life
- Additional Information: Muna was a prominent actor known for his versatility and depth in roles. Naijmobile
- Peter Bunor
- Date of Birth: 1955
- Date of Death: May 1, 2015
- Cause of Death: Complications from a stroke
- Notable Works: To Rise Again, Agony of a Mother, Deadly Kiss 2, Polygamy 2
- Additional Information: Peter was a veteran actor who often collaborated with peers like Pete Edochie and Nkem Owoh. Yen Ghana
- Cynthia Okereke
- Date of Death: July 2023
- Notable Works: King Jaja of Opobo, Lion Finger, Second Chance
- Additional Information: Cynthia was renowned for her motherly roles and comic prowess. She passed away after a brief illness. Skabash
- Don Brymo (Brymo Uchegbu)
- Date of Birth: 1966
- Date of Death: June 15, 2023
- Cause of Death: Died in his sleep
- Notable Works: My Beloved Daughter, Snake Battle, Land of Fire, No Mercy, My God Never Sleeps
- Additional Information: Don Brymo was celebrated for his versatility and had a significant impact on Nollywood. PM News Nigeria
- Romanus Amuta (Natty)
- Date of Birth: 1942
- Date of Death: February 9, 2022
- Notable Works: New Masquerade
- Additional Information: Romanus gained fame for his role as Natty in the popular 1980s sitcom “New Masquerade.” PM News Nigeria
- Ifeanyi Gbulie
- Date of Death: December 2018
- Cause of Death: Battled stroke for years
- Additional Information: Ifeanyi was a veteran actor respected for his contributions to Nollywood. Naijmobile
- Chris Nkulor
- Date of Death: April 22, 2014
- Cause of Death: Kidney-related disease
- Additional Information: Chris passed away due to his inability to raise funds required for his surgery. Naijmobile
- Okwy Chukwujekwu (Main Bossman)
- Date of Death: September 2018
- Cause of Death: Asthma attack
- Additional Information: Okwy was a rising star known for his comedic roles. Naijmobile
- Romanus Uchenna Amuta
- Date of Death: June 7, 2014
- Cause of Death: Stroke
- Additional Information: Romanus suffered from partial paralysis for many years before his passing. Naijmobile
- David Ihesie
- Date of Death: 2012
- Age at Death: 73
- Additional Information: David was a veteran actor who had been ill for a long time before his death. Naijmobile
- Clems Onyeka
- Date of Death: 2014
- Cause of Death: Stray bullet during a police and armed robbers fracas
- Additional Information: Clems was a handsome actor whose untimely death shocked many. Naijmobile
- Dede One Day (Onwuzurike Onyehidelam)
- Date of Death: December 14, 2015
- Cause of Death: Slumped while performing on stage
- Additional Information: Dede was known for his comedic performances and died during a performance in Aba. Naijmobile
- Junior Pope (Obumneme Odonwodo)
- Date of Birth: May 7, 1984
- Date of Death: April 10, 2024
- Cause of Death: Boat accident on the River Niger
- Place of Birth: Cameroon
- Place of Origin: Ukehe, Igbo Etiti Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Additional Information: Junior Pope was traveling to Asaba for a movie shoot when the accident occurred. He was buried in his hometown. Wikipedia
- Amaechi Muonagor
- Date of Birth: August 20, 1962
- Place of Birth: Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria
- Date of Death: March 24, 2024
- Cause of Death: Kidney failure
- Notable Works: Aki na Ukwa, Karishika, Igodo
- Additional Information: Amaechi was a veteran actor and comedian who battled diabetes and suffered a stroke in 2023, leading to partial paralysis. He passed away at the age of 62. Wikipedia
- John Okafor (Mr. Ibu)
- Date of Birth: October 17, 1961
- Place of Birth: Umunekwu, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Date of Death: March 2, 2024
- Cause of Death: Cardiac arrest
- Notable Works: Mr. Ibu, Mr. Ibu in London, Coffin Producers
- Additional Information: John, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, was renowned for his comedic roles. He underwent a leg amputation in November 2023 due to health complications and passed away at 62. Wikipedia
- Onyeka Onwenu
- Date of Birth: May 31, 1952
- Date of Death: July 31, 2024
- Notable Works: Half of a Yellow Sun, Muna, Lionheart
- Additional Information: Onyeka was a celebrated singer, actress, and journalist. Her career spanned music, film, journalism, and politics, making her a cultural icon in Nigeria.
This list highlights the significant contributions of Igbo individuals to Nollywood and serves as a remembrance of their legacies.
References
- Wikipedia. “Jennifer Okere.” Accessed December 3, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Okere.
- Naij Mobile. “10 Great Igbo Actors You May Not Know Are Dead.” Accessed December 3, 2024. https://naijmobile.com/10-great-igbo-actors-may-not-know-dead/.
- Yen. “Actors and Actresses Who Died.” Accessed December 3, 2024. https://yen.com.gh/60441-actors-and-actresses-who-died.html.
- Skabash. “Dead Nigerian Actors.” Accessed December 3, 2024. https://www.skabash.com/dead-nigerian-actors/.
- PM News Nigeria. “Terrible 2023 for Nollywood as 19 Prominent Actors, Actresses Die.” Accessed December 3, 2024. https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2023/12/22/terrible-2023-for-nollywood-as-19-prominent-actors-actresses-die/.
- PM News Nigeria. “So Sad: Meet 18 Nollywood Stars Who Died in 2022.” Accessed December 3, 2024. https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2022/12/29/so-sad-meet-18-nollywood-stars-who-died-in-2022/.
- Wikipedia. “Junior Pope.” Accessed December 3, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junior_Pope.
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