Nollywood director and producer Lancelot Imasuen has shared how he discovered the late actor Alex Ekubo, recalling the moment he gave him his first role in the industry. Imasuen described Ekubo’s passing as “devastating and unbelievable,” saying his journey into Nollywood began almost by chance.
Imasuen explained that he was close to Ekubo’s father in Surulere, Lagos, and often used their home as a filming location. Young Alex, still in secondary school at the time, would watch the crew at work. “That was how I gave him his first movie role, the one that ushered him into Nollywood,” Imasuen said.
During a shoot around 2003 or 2004 featuring Justus Esiri, Ngozi Ezeonu, Empress Njamah, Charles Inojie, and Charles Awurum, Imasuen needed someone for a small role. He turned to Alex, telling him: “You’ve always been watching us. You’re going to start acting today.” Ekubo accepted, performed well, and was paid his first acting fee. Imasuen later gave the money to Ekubo’s mother, who was thrilled that her son had earned his first income from acting.
Ekubo went on to study at the University of Calabar, but his passion for entertainment grew. He pursued modeling, competed in the Mr. Nigeria pageant, and steadily built a career that made him one of Nollywood’s most recognizable faces. His versatility and charisma earned him roles in films such as Weekend Getaway, True Lies, and The First Lady.
Ekubo will be laid to rest on June 18 in his hometown of Arochukwu, Abia State. His death has left colleagues and fans reeling.
On social media, tributes have poured in. One fan wrote on Instagram: “Alex was more than an actor; he was a light. Nollywood will never be the same.” Another user on X said: “Hearing how he was discovered makes his journey even more inspiring. Rest in peace, legend.”
Policy makers and industry stakeholders have also reacted. A member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria described Ekubo’s death as “a huge loss to the creative industry,” while a cultural analyst noted that his story reflects Nollywood’s ability to nurture raw talent into stardom.
Imasuen’s recollection underscores the human side of Nollywood’s growth, how chance encounters, mentorship, and community ties can shape careers. For many, Ekubo’s journey from a curious teenager in Surulere to a celebrated actor is a reminder of the power of opportunity and passion.
