Here are 5 Nollywood actors and actresses you did and didn’t know passed away.
Enebeli Elebuwa
Enebeli Elebuwa was a Nigerian actor born in 1946 in the northern part of Delta state, Nigeria. He rose to fame after featuring in a commercial as ‘Andrew’. This fine veteran thrilled Nollywood with his roles in numerous films. From protagonist to antagonist, Enebeli Elebuwa did it all. In 2012 he suffered a stroke a major stroke and was flown overseas for treatment. On the 5th of December 2012, he succumbed to his ailment. The news of his death broke the nation’s heart and thousands turned up for his lying-in-state. He was laid to rest in Victoria Courts Cemetery, Ajah, Lagos.
Justus Esiri
Justus Esiri was a Nollywood favourite in his time. He is described as a veteran award-winning Nigerian actor, generally considered to be one of the pillars of Nollywood with an acting career that goes way back to the 1960s. Justus Esiri is the father of prominent musician Sidney Esiri, popularly called Dr. Sid. Justus was born 20th of November 1942 in Oria-Abraka, Delta State. He came into prominence after starring in the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, TV series, Village Headmaster. He died in a hospital in Lagos due to complications as a result of diabetes. A candle night was organised by the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN and he rests in his hometown Abraka.
JT Tom West
JT Tom West was Nigeria’s number one, action movie star. He was consistent in his roles and always delivered art. His performance in Nollywood hit, State of Emergency, blew the audience away. He was born in on the 9th of July 1965 and died due to a car accident which occurred on his way back from a late-night shoot in 2006. His demise left his colleagues heartbroken.
Sam Loco Efe
Sam Loco Efe was one of Nollywood’s best comedic actors. He cracked ribs in every film he starred in. Sam Loco Efe was born on December 25th, 1945 in Enugu and wasn’t just an actor, he was also a director. Some of his best performances are visible in various films like ‘I Want to Harvest You’, ‘Tom and Jerry’, ‘Final World Cup’ and ‘Osuofia in London’. On the 7th of August 2011, news of his death shocked the nation. He was found dead in his hotel room however, nobody knows the actual cause of death.
Muna Obiekwe
Muna Obiekwe was a young and bright actor. He was undoubtedly one of the most popular actors in West Africa and a favourite amongst female fans. The news of his death came as a shock because many were unaware of his ailments. In his time, Muna Obiekwe gave us the good boy, bad boy, a handsome prince and many more characters. On January 18th, 2015, he died of kidney disease.
