BREAKING: Veteran Nollywood Actor Segun Remi A.k.A Chief Kanran Is Dead [PHOTO]
Veteran actor Segun Remi, better known as Chief Kanran, has died.
His death was announced on Friday by film producer Seun Oloketuyi in an Instagram post.
The cause of death was not disclosed.
Actor Yemi Solade also shared a video featuring himself, Chief Kanran and actress Jayeola Kuti, writing in the caption, “I am yet to believe he is no more.”
The 72-year-old was an actor, director and priest.
He began his acting career in the 1970s, appearing in stage plays such as Kurunmi by Ola Rotimi and later played a role in Langbodo, Nigeria’s official entry for FESTAC’77.
On television, he became popular in 1988 for portraying Alaafin Kanran in a Lagos Television drama, a role that earned him the nickname Chief Kanran.
Over the years, he appeared in numerous Yoruba-language films including Vigilante, Ose-Sango, Eri Okan, Itunnu, Eewo, Idunnu, Orire, Ofa Oro, Ajaka Oko, Ayanmo, Great Bird of Eternity, Shattered Bridge, Oba Oluaiye, Bibi Ire, Ilu le and I50 Million.
He was often cast as wealthy or authoritative characters, which became a hallmark of his career.
In addition to acting, Remi directed films and was open about the challenges in the Nigerian film industry, particularly for veteran actors.
He once revealed that his office and production equipment were destroyed by fire on three separate occasions, a situation that stalled his ability to make movies.
His death comes years after he spoke publicly about the neglect faced by older Nollywood actors, a cause he championed in his later years.