The year 2025 marked a solemn period for Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, as it mourned the loss of several talented actors whose work helped shape the landscape of contemporary and classic cinema.
From veteran performers whose careers spanned decades to rising stars whose potential was cut tragically short, these figures left indelible imprints on audiences across Africa and the diaspora.
Below, we honour their lives, legacies, and contributions to Nigerian storytelling.
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1. Patience “Pat” Ugwu (1989–2025)
Patience Patrick Ugwu, professionally known as Pat Ugwu, was a dynamic Nollywood actress, model, and fitness coach whose energy and versatility endeared her to many young fans and colleagues.
Born on December 13, 1989, in Enugu State, she graduated from the University of Abuja and quickly became known for her engaging screen presence and charismatic roles in films like Lack of Money, Port Harcourt Lady, and Twist of Fate.
Beyond acting, she founded PatPat Fitness and embraced entrepreneurship, balancing her artistry with a commitment to health and business.
Ugwu’s passing on February 5, 2025, at just 35 years old, shocked the industry and prompted widespread tributes from peers and fans alike.
Her multifaceted life, blending film, fitness, and entrepreneurship, ensured her legacy would resonate far beyond her years.
2. Dr. Columbus Irosanga (died February 6, 2025)
The Nollywood community also mourned the loss of Dr. Columbus Irosanga, a veteran actor and respected academic.
Known for his rich character portrayals, particularly as native doctors and traditional figures in Nollywood films, Irosanga balanced his film career with scholarly work as a senior lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt.
His dual dedication to performance and pedagogy distinguished him as a figure who nurtured and inspired both audiences and students.
His death on February 6, 2025, was met with deep sorrow, especially among creative practitioners who admired his commitment to elevating Nigerian theatre and screen arts.
3. Asa Koko (died January 30, 2025)
In late January 2025, the Yoruba segment of Nollywood lost Asa Koko, a seasoned actor whose decade‑long career was marked by memorable performances across numerous Yoruba‑language productions.
Known for his distinctive style and significant contributions to regional cinema, Koko’s passing was widely covered by national media, noting his influence on colleagues and audiences within Nigeria’s vibrant film ecosystem.
His death highlighted once again the contributions of actors who worked predominantly in indigenous language cinema, an essential pillar of Nollywood’s cultural diversity.
4. Nkechi Nweje (died March 22, 2025)
Veteran actress Nkechi Nweje passed away on March 22, 2025, following a brief illness.
Throughout her career, she was celebrated for her compelling portrayals of maternal and dramatic roles in films such as Royal War, Festival of Sorrow, and Coming Back from Congo.
Nweje’s commanding screen presence and versatility earned her respect across generations of film enthusiasts and artists.
Her death drew tributes from contemporary stars like Rita Edochie, who reflected on Nweje’s impact on the industry and her ability to bring depth and authenticity to every character she embraced.
5. Monalisa Stephen (died May 13, 2025)
Mid‑year brought the news of the death of Monalisa Stephen, an actress and advocate for body positivity.
Stephen’s work extended beyond the screen; she became an emblem of self‑acceptance and resilience, using her platform to challenge beauty norms and champion confidence.
Her passing on May 13, 2025, after complications from low blood sugar and internal bleeding, drew heartfelt reactions from colleagues and fans who viewed her as a voice for empowerment and change within and beyond Nollywood.
6. Kayode Peters (1975–2025)
Kayode Peters Adewumi, a respected actor, filmmaker, and director, died on June 28, 2025, after a prolonged illness in Toronto, Canada.
Peters was an influential figure whose work bridged stage performance, screen acting, and film production.
With credits that spanned stage, television, and screen, he played a formative role in mentoring emerging talent and spotlighting Nigerian storytelling.
His passing was widely felt by the creative community, particularly those who saw him as a guiding force for diasporic Nollywood engagement.
7. Obafemi Lasode (1955–2025)
On July 24, 2025, the industry lost another pioneer in Obafemi Lasode, a multifaceted creative force known for his work as a film director, producer, musician, and playwright.
Lasode’s directorial expertise, coupled with his lifelong engagement with Nigerian arts, made him a respected elder statesman in Nollywood circles.
His influence touched many facets of film production and cultural expression, and his passing represented the loss of a deep well of artistic and institutional knowledge within Nigeria’s arts sector.
8. Fabian Adibe (1943–2025)
Finally, veteran actor Fabian Adibe passed away at age 82, surrounded by admiration from colleagues and audiences.
Best known for his iconic role in the adaptation of Things Fall Apart, Adibe’s career was rooted in Nigeria’s early television and cinematic traditions.
His calm screen presence and powerful performances across more than three decades made him a beloved figure in Nollywood, symbolising a deep tradition of theatrical excellence and cultural storytelling.
His death was announced in August 2025 and met with widespread tributes that hailed his contributions to the foundations of Nigerian film and television.
9. Segun Remi “Chief Kanran” (died August 15, 2025)
Veteran Yoruba‑language actor Segun Remi, affectionately called Chief Kanran, passed away on August 15, 2025. Known for portraying wealthy and commanding characters with humour and nuance, his work helped preserve indigenous storytelling and highlight cultural identity within Nollywood films.
10. Seun Confirm (Seun Osundiya) (died August 2025)
Rising Yoruba actor Seun Osundiya, known by the moniker “Seun Confirm”, died in August 2025. With credits in films like Osole, Eru Aye, and Mr. Jerico, his loss was deeply felt in the regional film community, where he was a promising and respected performer.
Legacy and reflection
The spate of losses in 2025 was a poignant reminder of the deep human stories behind Nollywood’s dazzling output.
Each of these actors brought unique gifts to the industry, whether through pioneering performances, mentorship, advocacy, or personal charisma, and their absence leaves a palpable void.
As Nollywood continues to evolve and chart new global trajectories, the memories of these artists will remain integral to its narrative, inspiring future generations to carry forward a legacy of creativity, resilience, and cultural pride.
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