Veteran Nollywood actor Tom Njemanze is currently battling prostate cancer and has made an urgent plea for financial support to fund his life-saving surgery.
A concerned colleague, producer Stanley Ontop, shared a video on social media showing Njemanze in a frail state, connected to an oxygen cylinder and IV drips in a hospital bed. Ontop urged Nigerians to rally behind the actor, saying:
“Hello guys, one of our Nollywood legends is sick and needs urgent surgery. Sir Tom Njemanze has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and he needs your support to undergo surgery.”
He added: “Nothing is too small, fams. Help our legend live again.”
The video quickly went viral, prompting an outpouring of support from fans and fellow entertainers. The situation has also drawn attention to the lack of structured healthcare and pension support for ageing Nollywood actors.
Tom Njemanze rose to prominence in the 1990s and remains celebrated for roles in classic films including Issakaba, Tokunboh, Atosa, Pounds and Dollars, Osuofia in London, Brain Box, and Igbotic Love.
Some industry professionals and fans are now calling on the Actors Guild of Nigeria and other bodies to step in and create sustainable support systems for veteran actors facing health crises.
For Njemanze, the fight continues—and every donation brings hope for his recovery.
