Nollywood Actor Ernest Asuzu Is Dead
Remains for burial in the East
Tragedy has again hit the Nigeria’s movie industry with Nollywood losing another of its flagship performer, Ernest Asuzu.
He reportedly slumped and died on Tuesday evening in Lagos.
Confirming the sad incident to reporters, his wife, Jennifer Asuzu, said Ernest fainted on late Tuesday evening and subsequently never regained consciousness.
Also President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, while confirming his death, said; “Yes, Ernest Asuzu is dead.”
“I am trying to reach his wife to get the full details. I will get back to you.” Rollas was quoted as telling the Punch newspaper.
However, close family sources said Ernest’s remains are already on the way to the east for funeral rites.
Asuzu began his acting career in the ’90s and rose to prominence after he starred in the 1997 Nollywood classic, ‘Rituals’.
In his hey days, Asuzu often starred alongside celebrated performer, Jim Iyke, in Nollywood hit movies. He was the darling of many fans until his career nosedived after coming down with stroke in 2015 which affected his speech.
Before this tragic incident, Asuzu was also bedridden for three years due to his ill health. At the height of Asuzu’s deteriorating health in 2020, he was reportedly visited by Governor Willie Obiano’s wife, Chief Ebelechukwu Veronica at in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital in Anambra state where he was being treated initially.
Before that visit, there were also disturbing reports that the ailing entertainer was seen begging for help on the roadside. Fans were shocked when a video of the Nollywood star, begging on Lagos streets, appeared online in January 2020.
Also last year, there were spirited efforts by the AGN at fundraising to fund the medical bills of late actor.