Nollywood has been thrown into mourning once again with the passing of veteran actor Duro Michael at the age of 67. The news of his death was confirmed by Nollywood producer Stanley Ontop via an emotional Instagram post.
The late Michael died a few days ago after a hard-fought battle with a terminal illness.
Duro Michael had been away from active acting for several years due to health challenges that eventually led to the amputation of one of his legs.
Despite his condition, he made public appeals for assistance with medical care and a prosthetic limb. In 2022, he received financial support of ₦5 million from Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin for his treatment, but his health continued to deteriorate.
Throughout his career, Michael appeared in several notable Nollywood films, including “Midnight Love” (2003) and “The Guilty” (2006). His colleagues remember him as a talented and committed actor who contributed significantly to the growth of Nigerian cinema.
Ontop lamented the state of Nollywood, expressing sorrow over the lack of mutual support within the industry. He wrote, “Omo, it’s well ooo. We no dey help ourselves in this Nollywood, and it’s too bad… No synergy.”
Michael’s passing has left a void in the English-language segment of Nollywood, with many industry insiders and fans paying tribute to his legacy and expressing condolences to his family.
His death serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by many veteran actors in the Nigerian film industry, particularly regarding health and welfare support.
Duro Michael will be deeply missed by colleagues, friends, and admirers across the country.
