The Nigerian film industry is grieving following reports of the death of Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo at the age of 40.

News of his alleged passing surfaced on May 12, 2026, sparking widespread reactions across social media. Reports claim the actor died in a Lagos hospital after battling an illness for an extended period. Actress Kate Henshaw first hinted at the development on X, sharing that she had received troubling news and hoped it was untrue.

Soon after, tributes and condolence messages flooded social media, with Nollywood stars Funke Akindele and Rita Dominic among those reportedly acknowledging the heartbreaking loss.

Born Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke on April 10, 1986, in Port Harcourt, the actor hailed from Arochukwu in Abia State. He attended Federal Government College, Daura, before studying Law at the University of Calabar.

Ekubo began acting in 2003 with a small role in Sinners in the House, directed by Lancelot Imasuen. However, he gained public recognition after emerging first runner-up in the 2011 Mr Nigeria competition.

His major breakthrough came with the 2012 film Weekend Getaway, which earned him the Best Supporting Actor award at the 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards. He later became widely known through the sitcom AY’s Crib and featured in successful productions such as The Bling Lagosians, Your Excellency, and Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story.

Outside his acting career, Alex Ekubo was known for his close friendship with IK Ogbonna and Yomi Casual. His personal life also attracted public attention, especially following his highly publicized breakup with model Fancy Acholonu in 2021.

Fans had recently expressed concern after the actor stepped away from public appearances following his role in Conversation in Transit, where he starred alongside Richard Mofe-Damijo and Osas Ighodaro.

If confirmed, his passing would mark a significant loss for Nollywood and the Nigerian entertainment industry, where he was regarded as one of the leading actors of his generation.

At the time of reporting, no official statement had been released by Alex Ekubo’s family.