Lagos, Nigeria – The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, is in mourning following the passing of actress and body positivity advocate, Monalisa Stephen. The 33-year-old actress died on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Lagos after battling complications from low blood sugar and internal bleeding.
The news of her death was confirmed by her younger sister and made public on Wednesday by Seun Oloketuyi, the Chief Executive Officer of Best of Nollywood (BON), via an Instagram post. In his heartfelt message, Oloketuyi described her as a “hardworking and beautiful soul.”
Monalisa Stephen was a rising star in Nollywood, known for her roles in movies such as “Mami Wata” (2023) and “Breaded Life” (2021). Beyond her acting career, she was a prominent voice advocating for body positivity, mental health awareness, and self-love, often using her social media platforms to engage in open discussions on these topics. Her outspoken views on societal beauty standards and online bullying frequently sparked important conversations.
In an interview earlier this year, Monalisa had highlighted the discrimination faced by plus-size actresses in Nollywood, a challenge she navigated with resilience and a commitment to encouraging other women to embrace their bodies.
Tributes have been pouring in from fans and colleagues, many noting her recent silence on social media as a possible indication of her health struggles.
While an official statement from her family is still awaited, the entertainment industry and her numerous followers are grappling with the loss of a vibrant and influential personality.
