Julius Okorie
The cold hands of death has hit the doors of Nollywood again with the passing of veteran actor and one of the oldies of the industry, Emmanuel France
The death of the actor was confirmed through Nigerian filmmaker, Femi Ogedengbe, in a post on his Instagram page on Monday, expressing sadness and recalling their fond memories together.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe wrote, “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: Cross My Sin, She Is My Sister and The Director. R.I.P.”
France, whose professional career started in Ghana featured in dozens of Nollywood films including “Narrow Escape”, “Witches”, “Silent Night”, “Exile”, and so on.
France’s nationality has always been debated as many believed he was a Ghanaian but in an interview with Modern Ghana in 2011, the actor described 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.”
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France studied at the School of Journalism in Accra and joined the Ghana Film Corporation in 1969.
His death comes barely few days after the passing of another Nollywood star, Big Larry.
Famous movie producer, Stanley Ontop confirmed the news of his death via his official Instagram page.
Ontop shared a heartfelt tribute along with a picture of Larry, writing, “Nollywood actor Big Larry has just passed away. What caused his demise is yet to be known. May your soul rest in peace, Big Larry. Nollywood, Asaba mourns.”
France and Larry join the list of Nigerian actors who have passed on this year.
The Nigerian film industry has lost many actors since January 2024 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” among others.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
