The Nollywood movie industry has once again been thrown into a state of mourning following the demise of one of its famous actors, Pope Obumneme Odonwodo.
Better known as Junior Pope, the actor died aged 39 together with three of his colleagues while returning from a movie location on Wednesday [April 10] afternoon.
According to reports, the boat in which they were travelling in capsized in River Niger in Asaba, Delta State leading to their death.
He left behind a wife and three children.
The Delta State Chairman of Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Emma Onyemeziem has since confirmed his death.
Their bodies have since been recovered. Pope’s last Instagram post was on Monday where he shared a video of himself in a boat and praying frantically to arrive at his destination safely.
He became famous in 2007, after his role in “Secret Adventures” which was directed by Tchidi Chikere.
He’s featured in over 100 Nollywood movies such as: “Secret Adventures”, “Vengeance of Bullet”, “The Cat”, “Mad sex”, “Bitter Generation”, “The Generals”, “Wrong Initiation” among others.
He won his first award in 2010 as the Most Promising Nollywood Actor from Entertainment Factory Awards.
Nollywood deaths this year
The death of Junior Pope is the latest in a string of tragedies that have hit Nollywood this year.
Last month, ace actors, such as Mr. Ibu, Sisi Quadri and Amaechi Muonagor passed on. In January it was Deji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina. In February it was Ethel Ekpe. She is well known for playing the role of ‘Segi’ on the Nigerian Television Authority sitcom, ‘Basi and Company’.
Just recently, Adejumoke Aderounmu of Jenifa’s Diary also passed on at age 40.
