Veteran Nollywood actor, Kehinde Segun Remi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, has died at the age of 72.
Movie executive and producer Seun Oloketuyi confirmed the news in an Instagram post on Friday, stating that the celebrated Yoruba film star passed away earlier in the day.
He wrote: “Popular actor Segun Remi popularly known as Chief Kanran died Friday morning. Details soon.”
Chief Kanran was a household name in the Yoruba movie industry, famed for his refined elegance, love for luxury, sharp humour, and commanding stage presence. Known for often portraying wealthy men, he credited his pathway to stardom to his colleague Iya Rainbow’s late husband, Ayanfemi Phillips.
Born in 1953 in Keesi, Ogun State, Kanran began theatre as a child, performing in Easter and Christmas plays. He studied at the Centre for Cultural Studies (now Creative Arts Department) at the University of Lagos in 1974/75 before earning a diploma in directing, acting, and film production from Obafemi Awolowo University.
He later hosted a television programme on MTV in Lagos before fully venturing into filmmaking. A cross-over actor, Kanran featured in the now rested TV soap Megafortune, where he played General Philips in 13 episodes, as well as Mirror in the Sun and Images. His stage breakthrough came in 1977 when he starred in Langbodo, Nigeria’s drama entry to Festac ’77, at the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu.
Over a career spanning five decades, Kanran appeared in numerous films, including Vigilante, Ose Sango, Eri Okan, Itunnu, Eewo, Idunnu, Orire, Ofa Oro, Ajaka Oko, Great Bird of Eternity, Shattered Bridge, Oba Oluaiye, Bibi Ire, Ilu Le, and 150 Million.
Outside acting, he was a Primate in the Cherubim and Seraphim Church and famously wore his own outfits in films, refusing borrowed costumes. He celebrated his 50th anniversary in the acting profession in 2015.
Chief Kanran is survived by family, colleagues, and a legacy that left an indelible mark on Nigerian theatre and film.
