The film community continues to mourn the passing of Alexx Ekubo, the beloved Nollywood actor who died on May 12, 2026, at the age of 40 after battling kidney cancer. Over a career that spanned more than a decade, Ekubo grew from a successful model into one of Nollywood’s most recognizable leading men, winning fans with his charm, versatility, and memorable performances across romance, comedy, action, and drama.

Born Alex Ekubo-Okwaraeke in Port Harcourt, the actor became a household name through films that connected deeply with audiences in Nigeria and across Africa. Whether he was playing a romantic lead, a struggling young man, or a socially conscious activist, Ekubo brought warmth, confidence, and emotional depth to the screen.

As tributes continue to pour in from fans and colleagues, here’s a look back at 10 films that helped define his remarkable legacy in Nollywood.

1. Weekend Getaway (2012)

One of Ekubo’s earliest breakout roles came in Weekend Getaway, where he played the charming Andre Dikeh. The romantic drama followed a luxurious vacation filled with friendship, romance, and betrayal.

2. Champagne (2014)

In Champagne, Ekubo took on the role of Tare Hopewell, a man caught in a complicated world of love, deception, and ambition. The romantic thriller stood out for its bold storytelling and emotional tension, while Ekubo’s layered performance showed he could handle more mature and complex roles.

3. Gbomo Gbomo Express (2015)

Ekubo showed off his comedic talent in this crime-comedy thriller, playing the unpredictable character “Hubby.” The film centered on a kidnapping plot gone terribly wrong, mixing suspense with humor. His sharp comedic timing and energetic performance proved he could shine outside traditional romantic roles. This romantic comedy-thriller is set in the lives of incompetent kidnappers whose attempt to hold two wealthy people to ransom goes awry.

4. Power of 1 (2018)

In one of his most socially driven performances, Ekubo played Afro-pop star Justin Aba, also known as LeJit, a musician determined to speak out against corruption and political oppression. The film explored youth frustration, activism, and governance in modern Nigeria.

5. Hire a Woman (2019)

Ekubo returned to familiar rom-com territory in Hire a Woman, where he played Emeka. The romantic comedy became a fan favorite thanks to his natural charisma, strong chemistry with the cast, and effortless humor. The film is about a man who is planning a trip with his old friends from high school and is convinced to hire his colleague to stand in as his partner for the trip after finding out his ex-girlfriend will also be in attendance.

6. The Bling Lagosians (2019)

Set in the glamorous world of Lagos high society, The Bling Lagosians follows a wealthy family struggling to maintain appearances during financial troubles. Ekubo played Nnamdi, an ambitious character whose performance added depth and intensity to the ensemble drama. The movie centers thon e lives of a debt-ridden “wealthy family” who find themselves in a predicament when the family’s matriarch wants to hold a birthday celebration, despite their financial woes.

7. Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020)

In the record-breaking comedy-drama Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Ekubo played Obi Wire, a character caught in the chaos surrounding rival street factions and complicated family relationships. Led by Funke Akindele, the movie became a cultural phenomenon and one of Nollywood’s highest-grossing films of all time.

8. Son of Mercy (2020)

Ekubo delivered one of his most emotional performances in Son of Mercy, where he played Efe, a desperate young man who steals his father’s pension money in hopes of escaping poverty and starting a new life abroad. Instead, he faces betrayal and hardship. Critics praised the film for showcasing Ekubo’s dramatic depth and emotional intensity.

9. Tiger’s Tail (2022)

In this action-packed romantic thriller, Alexx Ekubo starred as Udoka, a man drawn into a dangerous world involving kidnappings, criminal networks, and emotional conflict. The story follows Amara Nzewi, a recent psychology graduate from the UK, who establishes a rehabilitation foundation for street children in the hazardous Onimbo community. Her initiatives clash with local criminal operations, leading to her abduction by Tombra Tiger, a ruthless gang leader. The narrative tracks the intense turf war, betrayal, and power struggle between two rival crime bosses, Tiger and Snake, who train youth in illegal activities.

10. Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story (2023)

Widely seen as one of Ekubo’s finest performances, Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story featured him as the adult version of Afam. The critically acclaimed film explored the Igbo apprenticeship system, mentorship, ambition, and survival. Audiences and critics praised both the storytelling and Ekubo’s mature, emotionally grounded performance.

Alexx Ekubo built a strong legacy in Nollywood through his charm, talent, and ability to play many different roles.