By Omamus Emmanuel
CONCERN is mounting for one of Africa’s biggest movie legends after he was spotted looking dishevelled and sitting on the bare floor of a busy city street.
Hanks Anuku, a veteran of Nigeria’s powerhouse “Nollywood” film industry, was filmed by a distressed eyewitness in the Wuse 2 district of the capital city, Abuja.
The heartbreaking video, which has quickly gone viral online, shows the former screen tough-guy appearing “homeless and intoxicated,” sparking a massive wave of sympathy and panic across social media.
The eyewitness who captured the tragic footage could not hide her distress as she watched the fallen star.
Sharing the clip online, she wrote:
“This is sad, Guys we need to help our Nollywood Legend Hanks Anuku ”
Passersby expressed shock at seeing the man who once dominated African cinema screens looking completely unrecognizable, slumped on the pavement.
The Ultimate Movie Bad Boy
For over two decades, Hanks Anuku was one of Nollywood’s most bankable stars. Known for his signature American accent, fierce delivery, and action-hero persona, he pioneered the “bad boy” archetype in Nigerian cinema.
Rise to Fame: Anuku starred in hundreds of hit movies in the late 1990s and 2000s, often playing hitmen, gangsters, or political kingpins.
Cultural Impact: Alongside Hollywood,
Nollywood is one of the largest film industries in the world by volume. Anuku was central to its golden era, making his current plight all the more shocking to millions of fans globally, including the large West African diaspora in the UK.
Previous Health Battles
This is not the first time fans have been left fearing for the actor’s well-being. Over the last few years, rumors and conflicting reports regarding Anuku’s mental health, physical well-being, and financial status have frequently surfaced.
While family members and close colleagues have previously denied claims that he was struggling, this latest footage has re-ignited urgent calls from the public for the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and his former co-stars to step in.
As the video continues to circulate, fans are holding their breath, hoping the legendary actor gets the support and care he so desperately needs.
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