The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of beloved actor, model and entertainer Alexx Ekubo, who passed away on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at the age of 40.
His passing has sent shockwaves across Nollywood and among millions of fans across Africa and the diaspora who admired his talent, charm and larger-than-life personality.
The actor’s family confirmed his passing in a statement shared on his verified Instagram page, revealing that he died at Evercare Hospital following complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer after a brief but courageous battle.
Born Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke on April 10, 1986, in Port Harcourt, he was originally from Arochukwu in Abia State. Tall, eloquent and effortlessly charismatic, Ekubo was fluent in Igbo, Hausa and English.
He attended Federal Government College Daura for his secondary education before studying Mass Communication at Calabar Polytechnic. He later enrolled to study Law at the University of Calabar.
Driven by his passion for storytelling and performance, he returned to the University of Calabar in 2015 to earn a degree in Theatre Arts, a decision that further refined the talent that would make him one of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces.
Ekubo first gained national attention in 2010 when he emerged as first runner-up in the Mr Nigeria pageant.
The achievement introduced him to the world of modelling and opened doors to the entertainment industry.
Although he began acting in 2005 with a minor role in Sinners in the House, his breakthrough came with Weekend Getaway.
