Junior Pope
Junior Pope | |
|---|---|
 Pope in 2024 | |
| Born | John Paul Obumneme Odonwodo May 7, 1981 Bamenda, Cameroon |
| Died | April 10, 2024 (aged 42) Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria |
| Alma mater | University of Nigeria, Nsukka |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2006–2024 |
| Spouse |
Jennifer Awele Okpuno
(m. 2014) |
| Children | 3 |
John Paul Obumneme Odonwodo (May 7, 1981 – April 10, 2024), popularly known as Junior Pope, was a Nigerian actor and film producer known for acting various films in Nollywood including Secret Adventures (2007), Bitter Generation (2010), and Nkoli Nwa Nsukka.
Early life and education[edit]
Odonwodo was born on May 7, 1981, in Bamenda, Cameroon, as the only child of Luke Odonwodo of Igbo descent and wife, a cameroonian.[1][2][3] Afterwards, he relocated to Nigeria, for his primary and secondary education.[4]
Career[edit]
After studying accounting, as he initially wanted to become an accountant, he instead pursued acting in 2004, initially taking on lesser roles.[5][6] He made his debut in the 2004 film Lost in the Jungle, portraying a minor role. Pope officially joined Nollywood in 2006 and began acting in 2007, with his first major film, Secret Adventure, directed by Tchidi Chikere.[7] Since then, Pope has appeared in over 100 Nigerian films, including Throne of Tears (2008), Always Mine (2009), Mad Sex, Blood Affair (2021), No Way Through (2023), Gbege (2022)and Honey Money (2023).[8][9][10]
Personal life and death[edit]
Odonwodo was a Christian and on 26 July 2014, he married Jennifer Awele Okpuno. They had three children.[11] Pope died along with three crew members while on his way to Asaba, Nigeria, to shoot a movie when their boat capsized in the River Niger in Anambra State. After the circulation of videos on the internet showing his video on the boat,[12] and villagers in Anambra trying to revive him and taking him to the hospital, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) initially declared him alive. However, he was later officially announced dead.[13][14][15][16]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Okiki, Adeduyite (April 10, 2024). "UPDATED: Junior Pope, three other Nollywood actors die in boat accident at age 39". The Punch. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ Rachael, Omidiji (April 11, 2024). "10 things to know about Nollywood actor, Junior Pope". Nigerian Tribune. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ Friday, Omasala (April 10, 2024). "Actor Jnr Pope who reportedly drowned resuscitated". Premium Times. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ Mercy, Olatunji (December 23, 2020). "Biography of Nollywood actor Junior Pope and other facts about him". DNB Africa. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ "The many evils of nollywood – Junior Pope Odonwodo, actor". The Sun. February 23, 2018. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ Chinasa, Afigbo (July 13, 2023). ""There's a Legend Behind Every Legacy": Jnr Pope career start". Legit.ng. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ Confidence, Cletus (April 10, 2024). "Nigeria: How Secret Adventure Made Me a Superstar - Junior Pope". allAfrica.com. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ Sunny, Itodo (April 11, 2024). "Junior Pope: 10 things to know about late actor". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
- ^ "Lancelot Imaseun's comeback film 'Gbege' premieres Oct 7 - starring Broda Shaggi, Ini Edo, Sam Dede and Junior Pope". TheCable Lifestyle. September 14, 2022. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ "Honey Money to Debut in Cinemas". This Day Live. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ "Everything about Nollywood actor, Junior Pope who died in boat accident while filming". Vanguard News. April 10, 2024.
- ^ Nurudeen, Shotayo (April 10, 2024). "Actor Jnr Pope drowns hours after he posted video on a boat". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ "AGN makes U-turn, says actor Junior Pope unresponsive, three others missing". Vanguard News. April 11, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ Olumide, Alake (April 11, 2024). "Junior Pope's Death: 'This Is Spiritual,' Eyewitness' Account on Boat Accident". Legit.ng. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ EwaOluwa, Ogunbodede (April 10, 2024). "Nollywood Actor Junior Pope Dies In Boat Accident". Channels TV. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
- ^ Orimemi, Victor (April 11, 2024). "OBITUARY: Junior Pope, the Cameroon-born actor who met untimely end on way to movie set". Thecable. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
External links[edit]
- Junior Pope at IMDb
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