OBITUARY: Amaechi Muonagor, the journalist who became actor ‘by accident’

Following his months-long battle with kidney failure, Amaechi Muonagor, the ace Nigerian actor, passed away on March 24, 2024, at the age of 61.

For many who watched him while growing up, Muonagor was quite a character on TV screens. Dating back to the late 1900s, he had always put up exceptional performances across a diverse range of roles. He also showcased versatility, depth, and a profound understanding of the craft.

It did not matter if he was the ‘wicked uncle’, ‘rich chief’, ‘troublesome husband’, ‘wise king’, ‘funny drunkard’, or even ‘Aki and Pawpaw’s father’, he always delivered his roles effortlessly. He was indeed a legend in his own right.

FROM ECONOMICS TO JOURNALISM

Amaechi was born on August 20, 1962, in Obosi, Idemili north, Anambra state. He was a native of Idemili.

He attended St. Mary’s Primary School, Obosi before proceeding to Oraifite Grammar School for his secondary education.

He furthered his education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) where he studied economics and graduated in 1987.

Shortly after his youth service in 1989, Amaechi started working for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“I worked under the close supervision of the editor-in-chief of NAN for 12 years,” he said  in an interview.

MUONAGOR’S ACTING LEGACY 

After spending over a decade with NAN, Amaechi left the news agency and ventured into the movie industry. His first-ever acting role was in ‘Ashes of Hatred ’. He took up the role of Akunatakasi.

However, it was his character in the 1999 film ‘Igodo’ that shot him into the limelight and paved the way for his illustrious career. The movie also earned him a nomination in the ‘Best Supporting Actor’ category at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

He also featured in hundreds of movies such as ‘Karishika’, ‘Living In Bondage’, ‘His Last Action’, ‘Most Wanted Kidnappers’, ‘Jack and Jill’, ‘Village Rascal’, ‘Evil World’, ‘Aki Na Ukwa’ and ‘Sincerity’.

Speaking about his career in the interview, Amaechi said he ventured into “Nollywood by accident”.

“Why I say my entry into Nollywood was by accident; one day, I went for lunch and met Chuks Omeraku, one of the foremost Nollywood directors. While I was dining with some of my friends, I saw a group of individuals doing what I later came to know was called rehearsals. They were doing it and unfortunately, one particular character was giving them trouble,” he said.

“On my own while I was sipping my wine, I was repeating what they were asking the guy to say. So there and there the man picked interest, I did not know he was watching me. So when I was about to leave, I did not realize that he was following me until I sat at my desk. Then the receptionist came to tell me that someone was looking for me because then it was through intercom. I allowed the man to come in and behold it was Chuks Omeraku.

“He then convinced me to come for a shoot at Tarkwa Bay, I almost turned back when I found out that I would be ferried but eventually, I got there. He asked me to repeat those lines which I did and everyone started clapping for me. There I knew I was onto something and the rest is history.”

Amaechi was considered a very unique actor because of his versatility and his ability to embody multifaceted roles that were given to him.

Aside from acting, he also doubled as a producer and director. He established Amaechi Muonagor Productions, his own movie production company.

He founded the Amaechi Muonagor Foundation, a non-profit organization (NGO). His organization provides scholarships to less privileged students and supports various charitable causes.

AMAECHI’S MONTHS-LONG BATTLE WITH STROKE, DIABETES AND KIDNEY FAILURE 

In 2016, it was reported that Amaechi was suffering from diabetes and had left the film industry. In November 2023, the film star cried out for financial assistance.

Muonogor, who spoke from a hospital bed, said the sickness caught up with him while on a movie set. He also apologised to fans for not making his condition public.

“I am on set, this thing that is called stroke caught up with me. I was lucky I was not driving. They rushed me to the hospital. The first hospital was Nnewi, where I spent two months and I was referred to a teaching hospital here in Nnewi,” he said.

“I was to enter my car when I was struck with this problem and since then it is getting worse. Right now, I cannot move, I cannot work on my own. My left leg and left hand are paralyzed.

“It is a problem to breathe. I am so sorry, I did not make it known to the public early because I did not know it would last this long but as it is now, I need help.

“Anybody who is touched, that is my fan, this is the time. I am calling all my friends both inside Nollywood and outside that is the time they will help me.”

Weeks after Amaechi revealed his stroke diagnosis, Tony Muonagor, the actor’s cousin, also disclosed that he was battling kidney failure and diabetes.

Tony said the actor had been “managing his diabetes” for years but the recent stroke worsened his health.

Amaechi is survived by Hope Chikodi Muonagor, his wife, and their four children.

His demise came a few weeks after the death of John ‘Mr Ibu’ Okafor, the ace Nollywood actor.

Mr Ibu died from a cardiac arrest on March 2 at Evercare Hospital in Lagos. The 62-year-old actor had battled with a life-threatening illness for months before he passed on.