Golden Oldies pays tribute to the late Nigerian TV and cinema (Nollywood) actor, Francis Agu, on what would have been his birthday today. Born on February 18, 1965, Agu left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry before his untimely passing on March 20, 2007.
Best known for his iconic role as Benny in the long-running Nigerian television series Checkmate, a 1990s TV soap opera, Agu also graced the stage with notable performances in The Gods Are Not to Blame by Ola Rotimi and Trials of Brother Jero by Wole Soyinka. His significant contribution to the first Nigerian Home Video, Living in Bondage, where he portrayed the character Ichie Million, propelled him to national fame.
Agu’s career, cut short by illness, saw him become a beloved figure in the hearts of many. He fell ill in October 2006, leaving a void in the entertainment world upon his passing on March 20, 2007, at the age of 42.
As we commemorate Francis Agu’s posthumous birthday, let us fondly remember the talent and charisma he brought to the screen, leaving an enduring legacy in the Nigerian entertainment landscape.
