Nigerian actor Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke, one of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces in romantic comedies and urban drama, has died at the age of 40 following a reported illness linked to kidney cancer, drawing tributes from across the country’s entertainment industry and beyond.
Ekubo’s death marks the end of a career that spanned more than two decades, during which he became known for his polished screen presence, fashion-forward public image and consistent appeal to both domestic and diaspora audiences.
Born on 10 April 1986 in Nigeria, Ekubo first came into public attention after emerging as first runner-up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria contest. The platform helped launch him into modelling and acting, opening doors in an industry that was, at the time, rapidly expanding in scale and international visibility.
He had earlier appeared in Sinners in the House (2003) in a minor role, before gradually building a portfolio of performances that would define his career. His breakout years came with appearances in films such as Weekend Getaway, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, The Bling Lagosians, Catch.er and Zero Hour.
Over time, Ekubo became closely associated with romantic lead roles, often portraying suave, emotionally complex characters in contemporary Lagos-set narratives. His ability to combine humour with restrained emotional delivery made him a frequent casting choice for directors working within Nollywood’s commercial drama space.
Across his career, he is understood to have featured in over 100 films, working alongside some of the industry’s most prominent actors and filmmakers during a period widely regarded as a turning point for Nigerian cinema’s global reach.
Beyond acting, Ekubo cultivated a strong public profile. He was known for his distinctive fashion style and regular appearances on best-dressed lists, as well as his engagement in youth-focused advocacy and philanthropic initiatives.
In 2020, he was recognised among the “Most Influential People of African Descent” under 40, an acknowledgement of his growing cultural footprint beyond film sets and red carpets.
His private life occasionally attracted media attention, including a widely publicised engagement that was later called off. Despite public curiosity, he often kept personal matters away from the spotlight, focusing instead on his career and public engagements.
Concerns about his wellbeing surfaced in recent months after a period of social media inactivity and a video circulating online in which he appeared visibly withdrawn, prompting speculation among fans. His colleagues later confirmed his death on Tuesday, with actors including Funke Akindele, Bolanle Ninalowo and Godwin Nnadiekwe paying emotional tributes.
In messages shared on social media, they described him as a gifted performer and valued friend, with many recalling his professionalism and warmth on set.
His family has yet to issue an official statement.
Ekubo’s passing has triggered widespread reactions across Nollywood, where his work helped define a generation of romantic storytelling marked by glossy urban aesthetics and relatable emotional themes. Fans and colleagues alike have revisited his filmography, highlighting performances that balanced charm with vulnerability.
Industry figures have also pointed to his role in helping bridge Nollywood with international audiences, as streaming platforms and global film festivals increasingly showcased Nigerian productions during his active years.
Though often associated with light-hearted romantic roles, those who worked with him noted his interest in more layered characters and his ambition to expand into broader dramatic territory.
His death at 40 leaves a notable gap in an industry still evolving in global stature, and prompts reflection on both his contribution to Nollywood’s modern identity and the pressures faced by public figures within it.
Ekubo is remembered as one of Nollywood’s most visible leading men of his generation, whose screen presence and cultural influence extended well beyond the films in which he appeared.
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