Veteran Nollywood actress Stella Ikwuegbu has passed away, as confirmed by filmmaker Stanley Nwoko, also known as Stanley Ontop.
The actress, known for her motherly roles in movies, lost her battle with leg cancer on Sunday, 16 June.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Stanley Ontop expressed his sadness at the news, saying, “Nollywood actress and veteran Mrs Stella Ikwuegbu is dead. The veteran actress left this world today after battling with leg cancer. Rest well, Madam Stella. Nollywood again. It’s well.”
Additionally, broadcaster Ijele Ozioma mourned the actress’s death on Facebook, lamenting the unexpected loss. She wrote, “Ukwu Gi Dia. Why? You scaled through several accidents and all. Eniure/Achiere came, and in less than a week, it killed you. I feel bad. Stella Ikwuegbu, today is Father’s Day. Why did you give us this gift on a day like this? Just why? Adieu, the great actress, is extraordinary. Stella Ikwuegbu, you didn’t enjoy a thing.”
Stella Ikwuegbu made her acting debut in 1990 and starred in several popular movies, including ‘Spoiler’, ‘Ukwa’, ‘Sound of Love’, ‘Holy Man’, ‘Two Hearts’, ‘Heart of Stone’, and ‘Madam Koikoi’. She was also a businesswoman and opened her restaurant, ‘The Film Bar’, on 1 August.
The Enugu-born actress, a graduate of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu State, is survived by her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her death comes shortly after the passing of veteran Yoruba actor Dayo Adewunmi, aka Sule Suebebe, adding to the recent losses in the Nollywood industry.
