The Nollywood industry in 2024 had a high number of deaths as several prominent actors whose talents defined the movie industry succumbed to death.
These late Nollywood actors will forever remain in the hearts of their fans as they show unique talents, fun, and depth in their roles.
In this article, Niaja News highlights Nollywood actors who died in 2024.
1. Olofa Ina: Veteran Yoruba Nollywood actor, Deji Aderemi, better known as Olafa Ina, died on January 4, 2024, at age 73, after a long battle with cancer. His work continues to be celebrated for capturing the essence of Yoruba culture and tradition.
Olofa Ina
2. Ekpe Ethel: The Nigerian actress, passed on February 7, 2024, after a prolonged illness due to cancer.
Ekpe gained fame for her role in Basi and Company, a classic Nigerian sitcom where she showcased her comedic talent.
Ethel Ekpe
3. Jimi Solanke: The actor cum poet and playwright better known for his works on Tales by Moonlight, died on February 5, 2024, after a prolonged illness related to old age.
4. Sisi Quadri: Comic Yoruba actor, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri, died on March 1, at the general hospital in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness
Quadri’s death coincides with the release date of a Netflix movie, Anikulapo: Rise of the Specter, where he played one of the three ghosts in the mystic epic series directed by Kunle Afolayan.
5. Mr Ibu: John Okafor, an icon in comedy who delighted fans with his humorous portrayals of everyday life, died in a hospital in Lagos State on Saturday, March 2.
The late movie star suffered a cardiac arrest following a prolonged battle with diabetes, which led to severe complications.
6. Amaechi Muonagor: At the time, Nollywood was still mourning Mr Ibu and Sisi Quadri, the death of Muonagor hit the industry.
The actor had struggled with kidney disease and appealed to Nigerians for financial help to support his treatment before he died on March 24, 2024, at the age of 62.
7. Adejumoke Ademeron: Popularly known for her role as Esther in the hit TV series Jenifa’s Diary, Adejumoke passed away on April 6, 2024, at the age of 40 due to an undisclosed illness.
8. Junior Pope: The death of Pope Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, shocked fans and colleagues, emphasising the risks actors faced during movie production.
The late thespian passed away alongside three others after their boat capsized in the Anam River in Anambra State while returning from movie locations.
9. Zulu Adigwe: The veteran Nollywood star died on April 24, two weeks after Junior Pope and three other Nollywood actors died in a boat accident in Anam River.
10: Charles Olumo: Veteran Yoruba actor, Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, fondly known as Agbako, passed away at 101 on October 31st, 2024.
Renowned as the oldest actor in Nigeria’s film industry, his life and career impacted the nation’s cultural heritage.
