By Akinwale Kasali
She was as beautiful physically as she was while interpreting the scripts given to her. She was a natural while acting, and a must to watch.
But all that was cut-short on Friday, July 30, 2021,when the news of the death of veteran actress, Rachel Oniga was announced.
Oniga reportedly died of COVID-19 complications.
The Theatre Art Movie Practitioners of Nigeria, TAMPAN, whose member she was, was thrown into infectious mourning thereafter.
In a statement by the association, it said it was saddened by the exit of the thespian who impacted much on the industry.
It however pray that God will gives the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, stressing that she would be solely missed, as she served as a mentor to younger ones in the industry. Oniga was one of the most recognisable faces in Nollywood.
Her death came as a shock to the make believe industry which is struggling to come to terms with the demise of the legendary actress.
Confirming her death, Oniga’s son, Olatunji, said her Mum passed away on Friday night around 10pm.
“She passed last night around 10pm. She had malaria and typhoid,” Olatunji disclosed.
Oniga featured in scores of Nollywood movies —both English and Yoruba— before her demise.
Born on May 23, 1957; the delectable actress began her career in 1993. Her first movie was the blockbuster, Onome, while her debut movie in the Yoruba speaking sector of the film industry was Owo Blow.
Her career in the industry spanned over 27 years. A multiple award-winning actress, she featured in movies like The Wedding Party, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, 30 Days in Atlanta, Sango, Out of Bounds, among others.
The 64-year-old actress used to work for a European engineering consultancy firm with its regional head office in Nigeria.
She debuted her acting career in 1993, shortly after her divorce from her husband.
She worked briefly at Ascoline Nigeria Limited, a Dutch Consultant Company before her first movie titled Onome.
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