The Nigerian film industry was struck with another significant loss with the passing of veteran actress Cynthia Okereke on July 13th, 2023.
The 63-year-old actress passed away on a Tuesday evening under circumstances that have not yet been disclosed. The Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Delta State chapter, Emma Onyemeziem, confirmed her death according to The Vanguard.
In 2022, the renowned actress, famous for her role in “Osuofia in London,” made headlines when she and her colleague, Clemson Cornel, were tragically kidnapped. This unfortunate event occurred just a month after Nollywood suffered the loss of actor Saint Obi.
The news of Cynthia Okereke’s passing was broken by the famous actor and filmmaker, Joseph Okechukwu, who shared the heartbreaking update on his official Instagram page.
He revealed that he was looking forward to welcoming her to America before her untimely demise. The shock and grief he experienced were palpable in his emotional post.
Beyond Acting: Notable Facts about Actress Okereke
Besides her notable movie roles, Cynthia Okereke had previously made headlines in 2022 when she and her colleague were abducted while returning from a movie shoot in Enugu state.
The kidnappers demanded a hefty ransom of $100,000 for their release, but thankfully, both actors were eventually freed on August 3, 2022.
Cynthia Okereke’s acting career began in 1998 when she featured in the movie “Jaja of Opobo.”
Over the years, she starred in more than 150 films, gaining recognition for her breakthrough role in “King Jaja of Opobo” and garnering even more acclaim for her performance in “Osuofia in London,” where she shared the screen with Nkem Owoh.
Apart from her successful acting career, Cynthia Okereke was known for her privacy and family-oriented nature.
She was married and blessed with children and grandchildren.
Her talent and contributions to Nollywood did not go unnoticed, as she was nominated for various awards, winning the prestigious “AGN Movie Ambassador” award from the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2013.
Born on April 20, 1960, Cynthia Okereke’s journey in the Nigerian film industry spanned more than two decades, and her legacy will continue to be celebrated.
Her sudden passing on July 11, 2023, has left a void in the hearts of her colleagues, fans, and the industry as a whole.
