Late Pope Obumneme Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, was a Nigerian actor and film producer. He began his career in 2006, appearing in the 2007 film Secret Adventures, along with the film Bitter Generation (2010).
Early life and education
Odonwodo was born in Bamenda, Cameroon, on May 7, 1984 to an Igbo father Luke Odonwodo, and a Cameroonian mother.He lived in Bamenda, with his parents, until he relocated to Nigeria, for his primary and secondary education. He was the only child of his parents.
Career
After completing his studies in Accounting, he wanted to become an accountant but pursued a career in film acting in 2004 and initially featured in lesser roles. He first acted in a minor role in the 2004 film Lost in the Jungle. He then appeared on several films that same year.
Pope entered the Nollywood industry in 2006 and rose to recognition in a Nigerian film he acted in 2007, Secret Adventure, where he played the breakthrough role, the movie was directed by Tchidi Chikere.This created a bond between him and his fans. After the release of the film, Pope acted in more than 100 Nollywood films including Throne of Tears (2008), Always Mine (2009), Mad Sex, Blood Afair (2021), Gbege (2022) and No Way Through (2023).
In October 2022, Pope starred in the Nollywood film Gbege, and also appeared the following year showing off his acting skills in the movie Honey Money, in April 2023.
Junior Pope had been maintaining onscreen and offscreen chemistry which was widely praised by the Nollywood fraternity till his death in April 2024.
Personal life
Odonwodo was a Christian. Junior Pope had 3 children. On 26 July 2014, Pope married Jennifer Awele Okpuno; whom he had met through social media site, Facebook.
Death
Pope was on his way to shoot a movie when his boat capsized in the River Niger in Asaba, Delta state. He died with three other crew members. Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) announced Pope’s death. They stated that efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. Authorities were called, and he was pronounced dead at the scene aged 39.
Source: wikipedia.org
