Nollywood actor, Chief Kanran, is dead

Legendary Nollywood actor and Yoruba film icon, Olusegun Akinremi , popularly known as Chief Kanran has died at 69, just three days before his milestone 70th birthday.

Family sources confirmed that the revered performer, known for his commanding on-screen presence and decades-long contribution to Nigerian cinema, passed away on Friday at a Lagos hospital after a brief illness. An official statement from the family was still awaited as of 5 p.m. Friday.

Chief Kanran rose to fame for his memorable portrayals of wealthy and influential characters in Yoruba-language films, as well as his extensive work on stage and television.

Despite his celebrated career, Akinremi endured personal and financial setbacks in later years. A devastating 2017 fire consumed his home and valuable film equipment, compounding the grief of losing his wife to cancer and straining family relationships.

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In a 2015 radio interview marking his 50th year in acting, he spoke candidly about his struggles: “Seven years ago, things became bad for me—not because of illness, but due to misfortune. My house got burnt, my wife and children left me, and I lost my studio and all my film equipment. I’ve been sleeping in a church for over a year. Feeding has been difficult, and I have no money to rent an apartment. All my four cars were gone—some sold, one burnt, and another knocked.”

Akinremi’s journey into acting began in childhood, performing stage dramas during festive seasons. He formally trained in the arts at the Centre for Cultural Studies (now the Department of Creative Arts) at the University of Lagos in 1974/75, later earning a diploma in directing, acting, and film production from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Mentored by the late Ayanfemi Phillips, husband of actress Iya Rainbow, he quickly transitioned from stage and television to feature films. He also appeared in English-language productions, including the defunct TV series Megafortune, where he played General Phillips across 13 episodes.

A devout member of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Chief Kanran often insisted on using his own clothing in film productions, expressing a strong dislike for borrowed costumes.

His impact on Nollywood, especially in Yoruba cinema, spanned over five decades, during which he mentored young talents and left an indelible mark on the industry.