11 Nollywood Actors And Actresses Who Died In 2023

In this article I will be sharing with you 11 Nollywood actors and actresses who died in 2023. These guys contributed immensely for the growth of the Nigeria movie industry popularly known as Nollywood. They are dead but their memory still lives on. So therefore, with a heart filled of sorrow I present to you 11 Nollywood actors and actresses who died in 2023.

1. Saint Obi

Obinna Nwafor popularly known as Saint Obi was a Nigerian actor, film producer and film director. Saint Obi is known for his roles in Candle Light, Goodbye Tomorrow, Heart of Gold, Festival of Fire, Executive Crime and Last Party. The legendary actor died on 7th May 2023. It was reported that he died after battling an undisclosed illness for several months with no successful treatment. Saint Obi passed on at the age of 57 after a protracted illness. His body was deposited at the morgue at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital. Saint Obi was the favorite of many home video lovers in late 90s and early 2000 before he suddenly stopped appearing in movies. He had featured in over 150 Nollywood movies before his demise.

2. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe

The news of her death broke the internet on the 9th of January 2023. The founder of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) is a native of Imo State. She died at the age of 53 at St. Nicholas Hospital Ibeju Lekki, Lagos after battling a heart attack that led to a coma. The deceased started the AMAA event in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state on the 30th of May, 2005. She was also notable for screening Nollywood films at International Film Festivals. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe received quite some honours before her death, including a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by Nigerian government for her contribution to the entertainment industry.

3. Baba Feyikogbon

Chief Sunday Akanbi Akinola popularly known as Baba Feyikogbon was a veteran in the Nollywood industry. He rose into limelight after his role as “Mogaji “ in the TV series “Feyikogbon” which aired on NTA channel 7 in southwestern Nigeria in the 1980s. The deceased actor hailed from Ogun state. Baba Feyikogbon died on 9th January, 2023. He died the same day as Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, which raised concerns among Nigerians as the year was still fresh then. Baba Feyikogbo reportedly died of Kidney failure at the age of 80. Prior to his death, the actor had solicited help from the public in 2019. He noted that his role in the series had only given him fame without money.

4. Femi Ogunrombi

Another veteran actor that Nigerian entertainment industry will miss is Femi Ogunrombi, popularly known as Papa Ajasco. There were controversies over the death of the actor, considering his character in Wale Adenuga’s longtime series. However, it is important to clarify that Femi Ogunrombi is different from Richard Abiodun, the first and real Papa Ajasco. It is worthy of note that the deceased actor, had only stood in as Papa Ajasco at a time in the life of the popular longest-running series by Wale Adenuga Production. Femi Ogunrombi a native of Abeokuta in Ogun State. He rose to fame after taking over the character of Papa Ajasco in 2005 when Richard Abiodun the real Papa Ajasco pulled out of the show. Before his death, he was the director of studies at the Pencil Film and Television Center in Lagos.

5. Favour Daniels

Favour Daniels also known as Omoge died on the 5th of January 2023. The young talented actress and skit maker passed away at the age of 26 after a boating accident. She made name for herself appearing on the TV screen and also having her skits trend on social media before death shortened her dream. Before her demise, Favour Daniels was regarded as one of the fastest rising actress in Nigeria.

6. Fadeyi Oloro

Fadeyi Oloro is one of Nollywood veteran actors that died in 2023. The deceased actor is well-known for his powerful incantation in Yoruba films. Not only incantation, but Fadeyi Oloro also styled himself to appear on TV screens with his face painted in black substances to fully make his character interesting in films. The veteran actor’s death was announced by his daughter, Fasunwon Oluwafunke, on Tuesday, the 7th of March 2023. Fadeyi Oloro died at the age of 66 years old after battling a terminal disease for years. He was a native of Igbara Odo in Ekiti state. He rose to fame after acting in the movie ‘Arelu’ in the late 80s and also appeared in movies like Inubibi, Anike Olufa, and Akoni Mefa, among others.

7. Don Brymo

Don Brymo Uchegbu popularly known as Don Brymo was a Nollywood veteran actor known for his gangster role and traditional roles in movies died on Thursday 15 June 2023. Don Brymo who hails from Anambra state in the south eastern part of Nigeria died in a movie location in Asaba when slumps and passed away at the age of 56 years old. According to a close colleague in the Nigerian movie industry he died in his sleep and the cause of his death still remains mysterious.

8. Chikezie Uwazie

The death of Nollywood actor Chikezie Uwazie was announced on May 15, 2023. He died in the United States after undergoing brain surgery. His death was announced by a colleague, Obey Etok, via her Instagram page. She wrote, “I can’t imagine I’m posting this. Chikezie Uwazie has gone after a second brain surgery. Gini na emezi. I’m so shocked to get this news this evening; I just got this from our IMSU alumni platform. “I thought you told me you were going to the States for greener pastures. You promised to come back some years back but I didn’t see you. I can’t believe you are gone but God knows best. Rest on Chyko.”

9. Murphy Afolabi

Popular Yoruba actor, Murphy Afolabi, died on May 14, 2023, after a tragic fall in his bathroom in Ikorodu area of Lagos. The actor had just celebrated his 49th birthday before his tragic death. Afolabi got into the movie industry in 2001. Prior to that, he had studied Theatre Arts and Film Production at the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree. He appeared in over 60 movies before his death, including Ifa Olokun, Omowunmi, Jimi Bendel, Wasila Coded, Olokiki Oru, and Idera.

10. Adedigba Mukaila

Among the notable personalities who died in 2023 is veteran Nollywood actor Adedigba Mukaila, known by his stage name Alafin Oro. He died on 13th May, 2023. His death was announced by fellow actor Kunle Afod on his social media page. He wrote; “Another library is burnt down today; a great philosopher, an icon with so much Yoruba knowledge, a lover of God @alafinoro1. You departed this sinful world in the early hour of today, May your gentle soul rest in peace.”

11. Mohbad

Mohbad is not a Nollywood actor, but he is also a Nigerian celebrity who died in 2023. Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba professionally as Mohbad or Imole was a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter from Lagos. He was formerly signed to Naira Marley’s Marlian Records and left the label in 2022 during to misunderstanding that could not be resolved. He was born on 3rd January 1996 and died on 12 September 2023 in Lagos at the age of 27 years old. They where so many controversy surrounding his death at which many fingers pointed at his former record label boss Naira Marley. The nurse who administered a Tetanus vaccine on him that led to his death was also arrested. May the soul of these actors and may the souls of all those that have died rest in peace.