Nollywood has witnessed the heartbreaking loss of several young and promising actors whose lives were cut short in their prime. These rising stars had begun making their mark in the industry, but fate had other plans.
The industry continues to grieve the untimely deaths of these young actors and actresses who passed away under tragic circumstances. From sudden illnesses to mysterious incidents and fatal accidents, these losses remind us of life’s unpredictability.
The deaths of these young actors highlight the fragility of life. Each of them had dreams of rising to the top of the industry, but their journeys were tragically cut short. Take a look at some of the actors and actresses who died before they got to 30.
1. David Mela
David Mela was a promising young actor, model and fashion designer who had begun making a name for himself in the industry before the cold hands of death took hold of him.
The Imo State born actor died on January 11, 2021, after battling an undisclosed illness. His fans flooded his Facebook page with condolence messages and lamentations over his death.
The deceased actor was said to have been complaining of body pains two days before he died whilst suffering an unknown illness. He was known for his vibrant personality and talent.
David was said to be in his mid-twenties before he passed away. He starred in more than a dozen Nollywood movies. His death left fans and colleagues in mourning.
2. Francisca Choji
Francisca Choji was a budding actress and model whose tragic death in May 2022 raised many questions and got the Nigerian police involved.
She was found dead under mysterious circumstances. The Plateau State Police said that she was found floating in the water at Rayfield Resort in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
They added that no parts were removed from her, hence no suspect of foul play. They added that they cannot ascertain if anyone killed her because there were no signs of violence but would continue investigation.
The news of her passing sent shockwaves through social media. Her untimely demise remains a painful reminder of the dangers young entertainers sometimes face. Her death came days after the death of Chinedu Bernards.
3. Chinedu Bernards
Chinedu Bernards Nwankwo, best known as Chinedu Bernards, was a Nigerian-born Nollywood actress and photographer from Enugu State, Nigeria.
She was best known for roles in movies like The Regret, Big Mama’s Stick, and Money Fever. She tragically passed away in April 2022 while in her 20s.
She collapsed while cleaning the chapel of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Enugu on 29th April. She was confirmed dead after being admitted in the East Side Hospital in Enugu.
The national president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, demanded an autopsy to determine the cause of her death especially as bruises were seen on her face.
4. Ada Jesus
Mercy Nmesoma Obi Nnadi, professionally known as Ada Jesus, was a young female comedian and skit maker in Nigeria. Her personality went viral during her illness due to her beef with the spiritual figure, Odumeje.
She was said to have laid false accusations against Odumeje, the founder of Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry and Rita Edochie. She accused him and Rita for conniving and staging fake miracles to deceive people in his church.
Whilst battling a kidney ailment that destabilized her body, she tried to gain forgiveness from Odumeje and Rita but Odumeje added that nobody speaks against him and goes scot-free.
Her passing in 2021 at age 23 was quite tragic especially as she was wheeled from place to place seeking forgiveness from the man of God and Rita Edochie.
5. Nelson Gold
Fast-rising actor, Ezeora Nelson Okwuchukwu, also known as, Nelson Gold, died ten days after celebrating his 26th birthday. His birthday was on the 5th of June. He was a graduate of the University of Nigeria Nsukka.
Reports stated that the young actor slumped at a movie scene in Enugu. He was rigged to the hospital where he was put in a coma and he died on 15th June, 2021.
Nelson broke into Nollywood after playing a lead role in a movie titled “Black Child” where he featured alongside notable actors like Ebele Okaro, Chiege Alisgwe and Destiny Etiko.
The movie launched him into the industry and he was nicknamed “Nollywood’s mad actor” because of his mind-blowing performance in the movie. He is greatly missed by the fans and colleagues that witnessed him.
6. Okwy Chukwujekwu
Okwy Chukwujekwu, popularly known as Main Boss man was celebrated for his comedic roles in movies. His physique was a unique one – short, slightly rotund with a feminine face and he died at 27.
He died unexpectedly in 2018 due to an asthma attack. His death was announced by his friend and fellow actor, Odira Nwobu on social media. The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) also mourned the actor.
7. Ngozi Chimeke
Ngozi Chimeke was a fast-rising actress who died on 7th December, 2021 in Delta State, Nigeria. She was shot by armed men when she went to use a POS shop in the city.
As at the time of her death in 2021, the Police State Command in Delta State stated that they were investigating to find out her murderer. Reports do not show if her murderer was found and apprehended.
8. Olamide David
Olamide David was a Nigerian child actor who died at 15 years of age. He rose to fame for playing the lead role in the movie “Cobweb” which won him an award in the industry.
He won the award for “Best Male Actor” award at the Best of Nollywood awards in 2015 for his role in the movie. He was previously nominated for that same category in 2013 and 2014.
In addition to Cobweb, he featured in other movies including The Black Silhouette. He was fast-rising in the industry and would’ve been the next big thing until death happened.
He died on 18th January, 2016 at the Ikeja General Hospital after sustaining a fatal injury from playing football. David had a really bright future in the industry but was cut short due to death.
9. Rico Swavey
Rico Swavey was a Big Brother Naija reality TV star from season 3, a budding musician and an actor before his tragic car accident in 2022 that led to his death.
During Big Brother Naija Season 3, Rico always mentioned how he wanted to push his music out there. After Biggie’s house, he dabbled into acting a bit and did a bit of his music too.
News about his death spread like wildfire when Alex Unusual, also a housemate from the Season 3 edition of BBNaija posted about his accident on Instagram.
His fellow housemates from Biggie’s house posted his pictures all over social media reminiscing his time during the show and his calm personality. He died at 29.
10. Favour Daniels
Favour Daniels was popular for her skits on social media and a few movies. She died at 23 years of age due to a boat accident. Her boat capsized, she drowned and died.
Her death happened on the 5th of February, 2023. Her sister, Elizabeth Daniels announced her death on social media with a caption that expressed how she can’t question the creator over her passing because God knows best.
