Popular Nollywood actress Cynthia Okereke has passed away at the age of 63, according to reports.
The tragic news was announced on Wednesday, July 12th by filmmaker Joseph Okechukwu on social media.
Okechukwu revealed that he was preparing to purchase an airline ticket for Okereke to visit him in the United States when he learned of her sudden death on Tuesday night.
The cause of death has not yet been made public.
Okereke was beloved in Nollywood for her work in films like “The Maid” and “Queen of the Palace.”
She got her start in acting back in 1998 and went on to have a successful career spanning over 20 years.
Just last year, the actress was kidnapped and held captive for several months before being released. It was a traumatic experience that she was still recovering from, according to friends.
In his emotional social media post, Okechukwu lamented the loss of his dear friend: “REST IN PEACE, Nwanyi oma. I’m shattered beyond words.
”The fact that I was about to pay for your flight ticket to come finish what we started only to hear you went to be with the Lord just last night is one of the toughest things I’ve ever had to deal with in recent times.
”I pray I’m able to recover from this shock. Life is really just a mist. One minute you have it, the next you don’t.
”For the more than 20 years that I’ve known you, you’ve been such an amazing, decent and lovely soul to be around. I never imagined you’d exit so unceremoniously. Words fail me.
”Sleep on, Cynthia. May your gentle soul rest on till we meet again in glory.”
