Nollywood actor, producer and director Steven Echendu has died, throwing the Nigerian movie industry into mourning just hours after the death of veteran actor Francis Duru was announced.
Echendu’s death became public on Friday, following a Facebook tribute by his colleague, Wisdom Nwankwo, who said he learnt of the actor’s passing on Thursday.
In his emotional message, Nwankwo remembered Echendu as one of the longstanding contributors to Nollywood, particularly through his association with OJs Production, and expressed anguish over losing two friends from the industry within a short period. 
“Oh Steven Real Stephen Echendu, it’s so painful to also learn of your passing yesterday,” Nwankwo wrote.
He described the late actor as “one of the gladiators” of Nollywood’s earlier years, highlighting his contribution to the industry’s development.
Nwankwo’s tribute also mourned Austinfair Nwaulu, a media professional involved in Nollywood activities, whom he said died on Saturday and was buried on Tuesday. Reflecting on the successive losses, he lamented that they had occurred within five days.
“Just a space of five days, oh Lord let your will always prevail,” he wrote.
Although some media reports said Echendu had been battling an undisclosed illness, no detailed explanation of his death had been publicly provided as of Friday. His age, medical history and the circumstances surrounding his final hours also remained unclear.
Echendu, also known professionally as Steve Echendu, worked as an actor and filmmaker and was associated with OJs Production. His colleagues’ tributes portrayed him as one of the industry figures who contributed during Nollywood’s earlier years, when the Nigerian home-video sector was expanding.
His screen credits include Fury (2019), Knockout Blessing (2018) and Infant at Heart (2024).
Echendu’s death came amid renewed grief in Nollywood following the announcement of Francis Duru’s death on Friday.
The family of Duru, another veteran of the Nigerian film industry, announced his passing, prompting tributes from colleagues and admirers.
