The Nollywood community is in mourning following reports of the death of actor Alexx Ekubo, aged 40.
The charismatic performer reportedly passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, following a private battle with cancer.
Ekubo achieved massive international fame in 2014 when he starred as the titular character in Yemi Alade’s viral "Johnny" music video.
The Afrobeat hit became a global sensation, turning his charming portrayal into an instantly recognisable cultural milestone.
Sources within the industry revealed that Ekubo had been quietly fighting the illness for several months, according to BBC Pidgin.
This health struggle explains his prolonged absence from public life and social media, where he had been inactive since December 2024.
His condition is said to have worsened significantly in recent weeks, and further reports detail that he was hospitalised in Lagos and placed on life support before passing away on Tuesday afternoon.
The news has triggered a wave of emotional tributes from colleagues and fans across the globe.
While the industry reels from the loss, his family has not yet released a formal statement regarding burial arrangements.
"My head is spinning," shared one fan on social media, describing the actor as a fine young man. Others noted that the actor had faced significant public pressure before his disappearance from the spotlight.
"He's been offline for over a year," user Medina Bukar noted, adding that many people were unaware of what he was going through behind the scenes.
She expressed hope that the public would remember the kindness he deserved.
Beyond his viral fame, Ekubo was a respected and versatile lead in Nollywood.
He earned acclaim for his roles in films such as Almajiri and Devil in Agbada, where he was regarded as one of the industry's most magnetic stars.
Fans are now choosing to remember him for his professionalism and the joy his performances brought to audiences.
His legacy remains tied to his talent and the undeniable chemistry he brought to every screen appearance.