Tragic Loss: Nollywood Star Odira Nwobu Passes Away at 43

Wed Nov 26 2025 02:58:00 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Nollywood community mourns the untimely death of actor Odira Nwobu, who passed away in South Africa at age 43. Known for his comedic roles, his influences extended far beyond his film work.

Nigerian actor and influencer Odira Nwobu has died at age 43 in South Africa, shocking fans and colleagues across social media. Nwobu was known for his comedic talent in over 60 films and had recently been promoting a Nigerian business in South Africa. While a cause of death remains to be confirmed, his passing has sparked an outpouring of grief in Nigeria.

Nigerian actor, content creator and influencer Odira Nwobu has died in South Africa aged 43, his lawyer and the Actors' Guild of Nigeria have confirmed.

News of his death has shocked many at home in Nigeria, prompting an outpouring of grief online from fans and colleagues for the Nollywood star who featured in over 60 films during his lifetime and was well-known for his comedic persona.

Nwobu's family has yet to comment publicly on his passing.

Details surrounding the cause of his death remain unclear, though a coroner's report is expected soon. His lawyer, Chukwujiekwu Chukwudi, stated that an ambulance was called to Nwobu's hotel room in Benoni, near Johannesburg, where he was found gasping for breath after returning from a night out with colleagues.

Attempts to revive the actor with a defibrillator were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Born in Enugu, Nigeria in 1982, Nwobu's career began straight out of secondary school with a role in Joseph the Dreamer. Despite his success in film, he also ventured into content creation to overcome feelings of being typecast.

At the time of his death, Nwobu was in South Africa to promote a real estate company owned by a Nigerian businessman. The news of his death came as a shock, especially since he had recently survived a road accident earlier in the year.

Nwobu was not married and leaves no children behind. His impact on Nollywood and his significant following on social media will be fondly remembered by many.