Nigerian filmmaker Olufemi Ogedengbe announced the passing of Nollywood legend Uncle Emmanuel France via his Instagram page on Monday, September 16, 2024.
Ogedengbe described France as a legend, recalling their collaborative work in 2006. “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: She Is My Sister, The Director, and Cross My Sin. R.I.P,” he wrote.
The cause of France’s death remains unknown.
France, whose career began in Ghana, appeared in numerous Nollywood films including “Cross My Sin,” “She Is My Sister,” “The Director,” “Narrow Escape,” “Witches,” “Silent Night,” and “Exile.”
Nationality Debate
France’s nationality has been a subject of debate. While many believed he was Ghanaian, he described himself as a “Gold Coastian” in a 2011 interview with Modern Ghana. France explained that although his grandparents were from the Gold Coast, he was born in Nigeria and held a Nigerian passport.
France studied at the School of Journalism in Accra and joined the Ghana Film Corporation in 1969.
His passing adds to the growing list of Nigerian actors who have died this year, including Ganiyu ‘Ogunjimi‘ Oyeyemi, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji (Sisi Quadri), Junior Pope, Amaechi Muonagor, John Okafor (Mr Ibu), and Dayo Adewunmi (Sule Suebebe), among others.