Curtain falls on Columbus Irosonga, Nollywood’s iconic chief priest

Columbus Irosonga, Nollywood veteran actor popular for playing role of powerful characters such as chief priests in movies is dead.

The Rivers State born actor’s death was announced on Wednesday by colleague Hilda Dokubo.

Sharing the news, Dokubo wrote, “There can’t be a shortage of angels in heaven that the few here are called home like this na! This one is heavy on Uniport Rivers State Nollywood.”

She captioned her post, “Our uncle Coli #colu_mbusirisoanga has gone to be with the Lord. Ikoli eh dein na mu.”

Irosanga, a native of Okrika, Rivers State, was born on April 4, 1976, in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, Nigeria.

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He had his first degree in Theatre Art and also Masters and PhD from the University of Port Harcourt. He started his early acting career in the early 80’s where he featured on Tv programmes on NTA.

He also took part in several drama and stage plays at the Rivers State Council for arts and culture. Irosanga’s career in Nollywood began in the early 2000s, and his journey to stardom was not an overnight affair.

His big break came with one of his most iconic roles in the 2001 film Isakaba, where he played Igbudu, a powerful chief priest. That character became etched in the memories of Nollywood fans.

He had an innate ability to connect with people and tell compelling stories, both of which would define his career in Nollywood, his resilience, passion, and dedication kept him moving forward, and it wasn’t long before directors and producers started to take notice.

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He took a role in the hit Nollywood movie “The King’s Decree” (2005), where he played a character that showcased his ability to portray both depth and intensity.

From there, he continued to climb the ladder, earning more notable roles in movies such as “Last Man Standing” (2007) and “Secrets of the Heart” (2009), films that inked his name as one of Nollywood’s promising actors.

Beyond acting, he had a significant career in education. He served as a senior lecturer at the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, where he imparted his knowledge and experience to a new generation of actors and theatre practitioners.

Despite his success in the entertainment world, he remained relatively private about his personal life. He was not known for controversy or seeking the spotlight for reasons other than his craft.
he was married and had children.

Some of his most memorable works include:
– “Nigerian Princess” (2010): A romantic drama where Irosanga played the role of a charming but misunderstood lover, earning rave reviews for his emotional range.
– “In the Shadows of Time” (2013): A film that allowed Irosanga to showcase his dramatic abilities, playing a complex character caught in a web of family secrets.

Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including Best Actor in a Supporting Role (AMAA), Best Actor in a Drama (City People Entertainment Awards), Most Promising Actor in Nigeria (AMVCA), and Best Actor in a Leading Role (Best of Nollywood Awards).