Steven Echendu, Nollywood Actor and Filmmaker, Dies Hours After Francis Duru

Nollywood actor, producer and director Steven Echendu has passed away, plunging the Nigerian movie industry into mourning only hours after the death of veteran actor Francis Duru was announced.

News of Echendu's death emerged on Friday through a Facebook tribute by his colleague, Wisdom Nwankwo, who said he learnt of the actor's passing on Thursday.

In an emotional message, Nwankwo paid tribute to Echendu as one of Nollywood's longstanding contributors, particularly through his association with OJs Production, and voiced his anguish at losing two friends from the industry within a short period.

He described the late actor as "one of the gladiators" of Nollywood's earlier years, noting his contribution to the industry's development.

Nwankwo's tribute also mourned Austinfair Nwaulu, a media professional involved in Nollywood activities, who he said died on Saturday and was buried on Tuesday. Reflecting on the successive losses, he lamented that they had occurred within five days.

Some media reports said Echendu had been battling an undisclosed illness. However, as of Friday, no detailed explanation of his death had been made public, and his age, medical history and the circumstances surrounding his final hours remained unclear.

Echendu, also known professionally as Steve Echendu, worked as an actor and filmmaker and was associated with OJs Production. Tributes from his colleagues portrayed him as one of the industry figures who made their mark during Nollywood's earlier years, when the Nigerian home-video sector was expanding.

His screen credits include Fury (2019), Knockout Blessing (2018) and Infant at Heart (2024).

Echendu's death comes amid renewed grief in Nollywood following the announcement of Francis Duru's passing on Friday.

Duru's family, who announced his death, drew tributes from colleagues and admirers. He was another veteran of the Nigerian film industry.