Nollywood Actress Monalisa Stephen Passes Away in Lagos

LAGOS, NIGERIA – The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of Nollywood actress and body positivity advocate, Monalisa Stephen. The news of her passing on Tuesday in Lagos after battling low blood sugar and internal bleeding was confirmed by her younger sister and made public yesterday by Seun Oloketuyi, the CEO of Best of Nollywood (BON).

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Mr. Oloketuyi described the late actress as a “hardworking and beautiful soul.”

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Monalisa Stephen was 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 self-love and body positivity, particularly among plus-size women. Her candid views on body image, mental health, and societal beauty standards often sparked engaging conversations online.
Earlier this year, in an interview, Stephen had spoken about the discrimination faced by plus-size actresses in Nollywood, highlighting the bias prevalent in the industry.

Fans and colleagues have taken to social media to express their sadness and offer tributes to the late actress. Many noted her recent silence on social media as a possible indication of her health struggles.
While no official statement has been released by her family, the entertainment industry and her numerous followers are grieving the loss of a vibrant and outspoken personality.