Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Segun Remi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, has passed away. The celebrated thespian reportedly died on Friday morning, August 15, 2025, as announced by filmmaker Seun Oloketuyi on Instagram.
While the cause of his death is yet to be confirmed, Chief Kanran’s passing has left the Nigerian entertainment industry in shock. Known for his commanding presence on screen and memorable portrayals of wealthy characters, the actor’s career spanned nearly five decades.
Born with a passion for the arts, Kanran began performing in childhood stage plays during Easter and Christmas festivities. He later studied at the Centre for Cultural Studies (now Creative Arts Department) at the University of Lagos before proceeding to Obafemi Awolowo University, where he earned a diploma in directing, acting, and film production.
After hosting a television programme on MTV Lagos, he fully ventured into filmmaking. His professional acting career began in 1975 with the stage role of Kurunmi in Professor Ola Rotimi’s classic play. He later featured in the iconic TV series Mirror in the Sun, and his breakout stage role came in Langbodo, Nigeria’s official drama entry to FESTAC ’77 at the National Arts Theatre, Lagos. On television, he was widely recognised for his portrayal of Alaafin Kanran in a Lagos Television drama on October 1, 1988.
Chief Kanran’s death comes as Nollywood mourns a series of recent losses, including actor Seun Confirm, who passed away from complications related to benign prostatic hyperplasia; actor Odunayo Olufemi (Oloto), who died after falling ill at church; and rising actress Omotola Odunsi. In June, the industry also lost Kayode Peters and Berry White in separate incidents.
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