Cynthia Okereke (April 20, 1960 – July 11, 2023) was a Nigerian actress and film producer who starred in Katakata (2021), Osuofia in London (2003), and Idemili (2014). She died on July 11, 2023.
Career Okereke began her acting career in the late 1990s and gained prominence with her role in the television series Ripples. She went on to appear in Nollywood films, often portraying motherly characters and matriarchal figures. Some of her notable films include Reggae Boys, Osuofia in London, and Second Burial, Nwando, A Fool At 40 and Katakata.
She was a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Enugu Chapter, and was respected as one of the veteran actresses contributing to the growth of Nollywood.
Kidnap incident In July 2022, Okereke and fellow actor Clemson Cornel were kidnapped in Enugu State while returning from a movie location. The kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of $100,000. Both actors were released unharmed a few days later, after what the Actors Guild of Nigeria described as “efforts by security forces and support from the film community”.
Death Okereke died on 11 July 2023. Her death was confirmed by the Actors Guild of Nigeria, which noted that she died while sleeping. The president of the AGN, Emeka Rollas, mourned her death and described her as a "dedicated, committed, and hardworking actress".
Filmography
Film YearTitleRoleNotes1999OganigweChiomaMain role2001IssakabaOdogwu's WifeRecurring roleMothering SundayVillage WomanRecurring role2002Evil-DoersCy OkereRecurring role2003Total RegretRecurring roleOsuofia in LondonUremmaMain roleNaomiAdaugoMain roleSister MaryUloakuRecurring roleLion FingerAgathaMain roleLion Finger 2AgathaRecurring roleInformantRecurring rolePrice of the wickedUgodiMain roleLagos GirlsRecurring role2004Osuofia in London2UremmaMain roleAnnabelNneomaMain roleCoronationRecurring roleCoronation 2Recurring roleForce HeadquartersBarrister KateRecurring role2005Eagle's BrideIgwe Ojukwu's LoloRecurring roleI Found YouRecurring roleI Found You 2Recurring roleReggae BoysRecurring roleReggae Boys 2Recurring role
Awards and nominations YearAwardCategoryResult2004AMAA (African Movie Academy Award)Best Supporting Actress. Africa Magic Viewers Choice AwardsBest Supporting Actress.
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