Nollywood actor Emmanuel France is dead

Nigerian actor of Ghanaian descent, Emmanuel Francis has died. Even though rumours of his death started last week, there hadn’t been any official communication from his family.

However, Nigerian filmmaker, Olufemi Ogedengbe announced the veteran actor’s passing via his Instagram page on Monday, September 16, 2024.

Recalling their time working together, Ogedengbe described the deceased as a legend.

“Rest in peace to one of Nollywood’s legends, Uncle Emmanuel France. One of the actors I took to Tanzania in 2006. We shot three movies together: She Is My Sister, The Director and Cross My Sin R.I.P,” he wrote.

The cause of his death remains unknown.

France, whose professional career started in Ghana featured in dozens of Nollywood films such as "Cross My Sin", "She Is My Sister", "The Director", "Narrow Escape", "Witches", "Silent Night", "Exile", and so on.

For years, France's nationality sparked intense discussion, with many assuming he hailed from Ghana. However, in a 2011 interview with Modern Ghana, the actor clarified his identity, proudly describing himself as "a product of a united nation."

He said, “I am not even a Ghanaian but a “Gold Coastian” because my grandparents came from the Gold Coast. They didn’t come from Ghana. I have a Nigerian passport because I was born in Nigeria. I don’t have a Ghanaian passport because I don’t reside there. 

“I didn’t go to school in Ghana. Ghanaians don’t know me as theirs. Nigerians know me as a Ghanaian. Of course, that is what it is. I say it out loud because my parents come from there.”

France studied at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) in Accra and joined the Ghana Film Corporation in 1969.

France joined the long list of Nigerian actors who have passed away this year including Ganiyu ‘Ogunjimi‘ Oyeyemi, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji better known as Sisi Quadri, Junior Pope, Amaechi Muonagor, John Okafor popularly known as Mr Ibu, Dayo Adewunmi, also known as “Sule Suebebe” .