On Monday, 11, 2026, the Nollywood industry was hit with a tragedy as actor Alexx Ekubo reportedly passed away at the age of 40, following a long battle with cancer. News of his death began circulating on Tuesday evening, sending shockwaves across Nigeria’s entertainment industry amidst the outpour of tributes from colleagues, fans, and film lovers online.

Born Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke (April 10, 1986), the Nollywood star made his acting debut in the 2005 production Sinners in the House. He broke into stardom in 2010 after competing in the Mr Nigeria competition. His rise to prominence happened in the 2010s, where he became one of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces through his appearances in romantic dramas, comedies, and blockbuster productions.

Best known for his roles in the Weekend Getaway and Yemi Alade’s “Johnny,” Ekubo’s screen presence carried a calm delivery and charismatic performances as he built a career spanning over a decade in film and television. The prominent actor also featured in several notable productions, including The Bling Lagosians, A Sunday Affair, and Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story. And over the years, he became a familiar figure across on-screen and on social media, where his style, humour, and personality earned him a loyal fanbase.

The late actor built a successful career in the Nollywood industry, where he won several awards, including Best Actor at the Best of Nollywood Awards (2016) and Best Lead Actor (2022). He was also awarded a Special Recognition Award in 2018 by the former First Lady of Nigeria for his contributions to and development of the country’s entertainment industry. Ekubo was a humanitarian and was recognised for his good works in 2020, when he was inducted into the UN’s Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) under 40, for his efforts in entertainment and social development.

Although details surrounding his death remain limited at the time of reporting, tributes have continued to pour in from actors, filmmakers, and fans describing the late actor as warm, respectful, and deeply supportive within the industry.

His passing marks another painful moment for Nollywood, an industry that has witnessed the loss of several prominent actors in recent years. For many fans, Alexx Ekubo represented a generation of actors who helped shape the modern face of Nigerian cinema, bridging the gap between traditional Nollywood stardom and the digital era.

As conversations about his legacy continue online, many remember him not only for his performances but also for the calm confidence and elegance he brought to every role.