By Akinwale Kasali
This could be described as one death too many. In a space of three weeks, the nation’s make-believe industry, Nollywood, has lost three of its best hands.
First, it was upcoming talented youngster, Chinedu Bernard, who died in Enugu, followed by David Osagie.
Hours ago, veteran actor, Gbenag Richards, has also been reported dead. He died in his sleep in the early hours of, Thursday, May 12, 2022.
The late Richards who had been bedridden, had colleagues and friends rally round to raise funds for the once vibrant actor who was a force to reckon with in the 1990s and early 2000s.
He was said to be suffering from a series of ailments and raising money for his treatment had become difficult because of the hard times.
Richards was reportedly suffering from diabetes and other related ailments.
It would be recalled that Comic actor, Ime Bishop Umoh, also known as Okon, and Emmanuel Ehumadu, popularly known as Labista, had taken to social media to seek financial assistance for him.
The actor’s old friends and some of his fans recently joined in the campaign to help him.
It would be recalled that the late Richards parted ways with his wife of over 15 Years, Florence,a colleague in the industry.
It was gathered that Richards absconded from home and never returned. He left his wife and children under the guise of going on location and never returned to his marriage.
Florence had to move on and relocated from their once peaceful matrimonial home.
The first appearance Richards made as an actor was to represent Nigeria with Hubert Ogunde at the Second World Black and African Festival of African Culture (FESTAC) in 1977.
He also featured in the blockbuster movies like Sango, Mirror in the Sun, Betrayal by Love, Fighting Machine and a host of others.
