- A Yoruba Nollywood actor Yusuf Olorugbebe has recently been confirmed dead
- This tragic news comes two days after a fellow colleague Sharon Okpamen died during childbirth
- As a tribute to all the creative minds Nollywood has lost in 2024, TheRadar compiled a list of some of them
The Nigerian film industry Nollywood has been hit with several deaths that shook the industry in 2024.
The most recent development is the death of a Yoruba actor identified as Yusuf Olorugbebe, who battled a chronic illness.
Olorugbebe’s death comes two after a popular actress and producer Sharon Okpamen was reported dead after delivering her second child.
Since its inception, Nollywood has lost both veterans and budding actors. Some died after battling illnesses, and some were totally unexpected. However, their impact on Nollywood is worth reflecting on.
As a tribute to all the contributions of some of these late thespians, TheRadar compiled a list of actors/actresses the industry has lost to the cold arms of death.
Meanwhile, in a recent video, Veteran actor Chiwetalu Agu paid tributes to some of his colleagues and other Nigerians who have died over the years.
Nollywood actors that have died in 2024
- John Okafor (Mr Ibu)
Mr Ibu’s is one of the tragic deaths of Nollywood this year. The death of the veteran actor popular for his comic performances plunged fans and colleagues into mourning on March 2. He died at 62. His daring contributions to Nollywood as a comedic actor is one that will be forever remembered.
- Amaechi Mounagor
His death came three weeks after Mr Ibu’s. The actor was reportedly said to have battled a prolonged kidney disease. He had earlier solicited support from Nigerians to undergo a kidney transplant before his death on March 24. Amaechi Mounagor is famous for his role in an old Nollywood movie, Aki and Paw Paw. In the movie, he played the father to two mischievous children, played by Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze.
- Aderounmu Adejumoke
Adejumoke gained prominence with her performance in the popular TV series, Jenifa’s Diary, where she played the character, Esther. Following an undisclosed illness, her elder brother announced her death via Instagram on March 7. Adejumoke kicked off her acting career in 2008 with an appearance in Tunde Kelani’s film ‘Arugba.’ The actress was active in the industry until her death.
- Junior Pope
This is probably the most unexpected death in 2024. The actor had posted a video of himself on set on a boat trip and a few hours later, he had drowned. The boat was said to have capsized. His body was reportedly recovered and rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead on March 10. Junior Pope remains a popular name in the Nollywood space and his works are recognised.
- Zulu Adigwe
Zulu Adigwe died on April 23. The renowned actor’s death was announced by a colleague, Mike Nliam on Facebook. Zulu starred in over 50 Nollywood films known for playing either a villain or a wicked uncle. His performances are exceptional and notable in the industry.
- Ganiyu Oyeyemi
The actor is popularly known as Ogunjimi. He passed away on April 26, three days after Zulu’s death. The news was shared by a colleague, Kunle Afod in an Instagram post.
- Sisi Quadri
Tolani Quadri Oyebamji, a popular Yoruba actor, popularly known as Sisi Quadri, left fans in mourning following his death. His death came a few days after Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre was released on Netflix. He had played a commendable role that fans loved. Coincidentally, his role in the movie was that of a ghost. It was shocking to hear of his death in real life. He was 44.
- Olofa Ina
Another veteran actor lost to death in 2024, Deji Aderemi, known as Olofa Ina, died at the age of 73. He reportedly battled cancer in Lagos before he was confirmed dead.
- Sharon Okpamen
Sharon’s death came recently on August 24. The actress, who is also a producer, was confirmed dead after delivering her second child. The actress had earlier announced the birth of her child on July 31. She was said to have gone into a coma after the delivery and eventually died. Over the years, Sharon has featured in over 100 films, making a name for herself in the industry.
- Yusuf Olorungbebe
This is the most recent death that has struck the Nollywood industry. The actor died on Wednesday, August 28 after battling a chronic illness. The news of his death was announced by popular actress Foluke Daramola on Instagram.
Tears as veteran actor Francis Duru loses son, netizens offer sympathy
TheRadar earlier reported that Nollywood’s veteran actor announced the death of his 15-year-old teenage son, Ifeanyi on August 8.
The circumstances that led to the death of the young boy were yet to be ascertained by the actor or his family as of the time of this report. Ifeanyi is said to be the actor’s second son.
