14 Nollywood actors you may not Know have died

Movies and TV shows captivate us with engaging stories and talented actors. We spend hours watching our favorite stars bring characters to life, but once the movie or show ends, that’s often the last we hear of them—unless they’re active on social media or make headlines.

This is why it comes as a shock when we learn that some of our beloved Nollywood actors faced serious illnesses or hardships before their passing. These revelations are often heartbreaking, as we had no idea what they were going through.

Here is a list of 14 Nollywood actors who have sadly passed away:

1. Pete Eneh

Veteran actor Pete Eneh, known for his roles in Issakaba, Perfect Temptation, and Royal Palace, passed away on November 15, 2012, in Enugu State. He had been struggling with the pain of living with an amputated leg.

2. Prince James Uche

Prince James Uche, who starred in Nollywood classics like Igodo, Lost Kingdoms, and Coronation, died in 2017 after a long battle with kidney disease. He passed away just two days before his scheduled kidney transplant.

3. David Ihesie

Renowned for playing fatherly roles in Nollywood, David Ihesie appeared in films such as 2 Rats, Things Fall Apart, and Goddess of the Sun. He passed away in January 2012 at the age of 73 following a brief illness.

4. Ashley Nwosu

Ashley Nwosu, an iconic actor from Regrets of Life, Tears in My Eyes, and Outkast, died on April 21, 2011, at the Yaba Military Hospital after being diagnosed with liver disease.

5. Geraldine Ekeocha

Known for her roles in After My Heart, The Plain Truth, and 7 Graves, Geraldine Ekeocha passed away on September 4, 2011, after battling liver cancer. She died at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu State, leaving behind seven children.

6. Enebeli Elebuwa

A giant in Nollywood, Enebeli Elebuwa starred in over 100 movies, including Heart of a Fighter, Against My Blood, and Abuja Connections. On December 5, 2012, he passed away at the age of 65 after suffering a major stroke.

7. Clem Onyeka

Clem Onyeka, known for Sorrowful Kingdom and Widow’s Testimony, tragically died at just 37 years old after being hit by a stray bullet during a shootout between police and armed robbers in Asaba, Delta State.

8. Nora Nkiruka Ugo

A rising star, Nora Nkiruka Ugo gained fame with Husbands of Lagos. She passed away in January 2018 after battling an undisclosed illness.

9. JT Tom West

Popular for his roles in State of Emergency, Labistar, and Above the Law, Rivers State-born JT Tom West died in September 2006 following a car accident on his way home from a film shoot.

10. Sam Loco Efe

The beloved comic actor Sam Loco Efe, known for Alice My First Lady, Osoufia and the Wise Men, and Slow Motion, passed away in August 2011. He was found dead in his hotel room in Owerri, where he had been editing a film.

11. Aisha Abimbola

Aisha Abimbola, best known for her role in Omoge Campus, lost her battle with breast cancer on May 16, 2018.

12. Obi Madubogwu

The talented actor Obi Madubogwu, famous for Karashika, The Champ, and Passion of My Blood, died on August 28, 2017, after struggling with acute diabetes and foot ulcers.

13. Olumide Bakare

Olumide Bakare, known for playing Chief Koko in Koko Close, suffered a cardiac arrest in 2017 and was placed in intensive care at the University College Hospital in Ibadan. He passed away on April 22 at the age of 65 due to heart and lung disease.

14. Justus Esiri

Justus Esiri, known for his roles in Wasted Years, Forever, and The Prize, passed away on February 19, 2013, in Lagos due to complications from diabetes.