Justus Esiri Explained

Chief Justus Esiri OON
Birth Date:1942 11, df=yes
Birth Place:Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
Death Place:Lagos
Nationality:Nigerian
Citizenship:Nigerian
Occupation:Actor
Years Active:1968–2013
Notable Works:Wasted Years
Children:Dr. Sid
Awards:Best Actor award at the 9th Africa Movie Academy Awards

Justus Esiri (20 November 1942 – 19 February 2013) was a Nigerian actor, generally considered to be one of the pillars of Nollywood with an acting career that goes way back to the 1960s. He came into prominence for his role in the popular Nigerian Television Authority TV-series The Village Headmaster and the film adaptation of Chinua Achebe's book Things Fall Apart where he played the role of Obierika.[1] He won Best Actor award at the 9th Africa Movie Academy Awards post-humously for his role in Assassins Practice and was also honored as the inaugural recipient of the "Goodluck Jonathan Lifetime Achievement Award" at the 2013 Nollywood Movies Awards. The Nigerian government honored him with several National honors with the highest being an Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON[2] [3] for his contribution to the development of Film-Making in Nigeria.[4] [5] He is the father of Mavin Records musician Dr Sid.[6]

Early life and career

Justus was born in Oria-Abraka, Delta State on November 20, 1942. He then proceeded to Effurun and attended Urhobo College, in the then Bendel State. He left Nigeria for Germany for his higher education. Institutions he attended in Germany included Maximillan University, Munich, German (1964), Prof. Weners Institute of Engineering, West Berlin (1967) and the Ahrens School of Performing Arts (1968).[7] While in Europe, he began his acting career. He was working as a German translator for the voice of Nigeria in Germany when he received an invitation home from the Nigerian Government to star in "The Village Headmaster" which he accepted.[8]

Death and legacy

Esiri died in hospital in Lagos on 19 February 2013 from complications of diabetes. A tribute night, organized by the Actors Guild of Nigeria, was held at the National Stadium on 8 April 2013. Mass was at St. Jude Catholic Church in Mafoluku, Lagos, on 9 April 2013, and a Service of Songs was conducted in Warri the following day. His body was then taken to its final resting place in his hometown of Abraka. Several government officials and entertainment personalities were present at his funeral.[9] [10]

Filmography

He has appeared in several Nollywood and TV productions including

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Nollywood Legend Justus Esiri begins Final Journey . PM News . 9 April 2013 . 4 February 2014.
  2. Web site: Official Statement from the Family of Nollywood Legend Justus Esiri on His Death . bellanaija.com . 24 September 2014.
  3. Web site: Justus Esiri: The village headmaster bows out . dailytrust.com.ng . 24 September 2014.
  4. Web site: Jonathan, Uduaghan mourn, as ace actor, Justus Esiri, dies at 70 . dailyindependentnig.com . 24 September 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131012191327/http://dailyindependentnig.com/2013/02/jonathan-uduaghan-mourn-as-ace-actor-justus-esiri-dies-at-70/ . 12 October 2013 .
  5. Web site: I never complained about national award – Justus Esiri . punchng.com . 24 September 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120718051553/http://www.punchng.com/entertainment/arts-life/i-never-complained-about-national-award-justus-esiri/ . 18 July 2012 .
  6. Web site: Justus Esiri Biography on IMDB . IMDB . 4 February 2014.
  7. Web site: Justus Esiri on iROKOTv . iROKO TV . 4 February 2014.
  8. Web site: Nico . 2013-02-20 . Nollywood Veteran Actor, Justus Esiri Dies At 70 – NICO . 2024-06-26 . en-US.
  9. Web site: Justus Esiri laid to rest . Vanguard News . 12 April 2013 . 4 February 2014 . Ayo Onikoyi.
  10. Web site: Veteran Nollywood Actor Justus Esiri is dead . Premium Times Nigeria . 20 February 2013 . 4 February 2014.
  11. Web site: Lancelot Imasuen's 'Invasion 1897' leads Nollywood Invasion of cinemas. Lindaikeji Blogspot. Linda Ikeji. 13 December 2014.
  12. Web site: Lancelot Imaseun's movie set for cinema release. Pulse Nigeria. Chidumga Izuzu. 26 December 2014.
  13. Web site: Lancelot Imasuen’s Invasion 1897 hits cinemas Dec 5. The Sun. Our Reporter. 16 November 2014.