The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into deep mourning following the heartbreaking death of popular Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo, who passed away at the age of 40 after battling stage 4 liver cancer.
The actor reportedly died on Monday, May 11, 2026, in Lagos after quietly fighting the illness away from the public eye for months. News of his death sent shockwaves across social media on Tuesday, leaving fans, colleagues, and movie lovers devastated.
Nigerian actor Alexx Ekubo has died after battling an illness. He was 40. 💔
— Pulse Nigeria (@PulseNigeria247) May 12, 2026
A devastating, heartbreaking loss for Nollywood and fans worldwide. May his soul rest in peace. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/kG9wnrIMIY
For many fans, concern had already started growing after the actor suddenly disappeared from social media. His last Instagram post dated back to December 2024, a silence that sparked speculation and worry among followers who were used to his vibrant online presence and regular interactions.
The heartbreaking news gained wider attention after veteran actress Kate Henshaw shared an emotional post on X, hinting that she had received disturbing news and was praying it was not true. Moments later, tributes began pouring in from across the entertainment industry, confirming the painful reality.
I just heard a terrible news!!😭😭😭😭
— Kate Amaka Henshaw (@HenshawKate) May 12, 2026
Father Lord plsssss🥹🙏🏽
Nollywood stars including Funke Akindele and Rita Dominic have since mourned the late actor online, describing his death as a painful and massive loss to Nollywood.
Born Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke on April 10, 1986, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the actor hailed from Arochukwu in Abia State. He attended Federal Government College, Daura, before studying Law at the University of Calabar.
Although he began acting with minor roles in the early 2000s, his rise to fame came after emerging first runner-up at the 2011 Mr Nigeria competition. His charisma, screen presence, and charm quickly made him one of Nollywood’s most recognizable faces.
His breakout role in Weekend Getaway earned him widespread praise and the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award at the 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards. From there, Alexx Ekubo became a household name through hit productions like AY’s Crib, The Bling Lagosians, Your Excellency, and later Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story, where his performance received critical acclaim.
Beyond acting, Alexx was admired for his fashion sense, humor, and close friendship with fellow celebrities including IK Ogbonna and Yomi Casual. His personal life also drew public attention over the years, especially following his highly publicized split from model Fancy Acholonu in 2021.
Before stepping away from the spotlight, Alexx Ekubo appeared in Conversation in Transit alongside Nollywood veterans like Richard Mofe-Damijo and Osas Ighodaro. Unknown to many, that would become one of his final public projects before his sudden disappearance from the entertainment scene.
His death marks another painful moment for Nollywood, which continues to lose some of its brightest stars. Fans across Nigeria and beyond have flooded social media with emotional tributes, remembering Alexx Ekubo not just as a talented actor, but as a charismatic personality whose smile and energy lit up screens for over a decade.
As of the time of this report, the family of the late actor is yet to officially announce funeral arrangements.
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