Nollywood Actress Monalisa Stephen is dead
Nollywood actress and popular body positivity advocate, Monalisa Stephen, has passed away.
She died on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Lagos following complications from low blood sugar and internal bleeding.
Her death was confirmed by her immediate younger sister and made public on Wednesday morning by the Chief Executive Officer of Best of Nollywood (BON), Seun Oloketuyi.
In a statement posted on his official Instagram page, Oloketuyi wrote: “Brand influencer Monalisa Ayobami Stephen is dead.
“She died yesterday in Lagos after losing the fight against low sugar and internal bleeding. Her immediate younger sister confirmed the death of this hardworking and beautiful soul.”
Monalisa Stephen rose to fame not only for her roles in Nollywood films but also as a vocal advocate for body positivity, mental health, and self-love.
Stephen, also known as Gabacci during her lifetime, featured in movies like Mami Wata (2023), Breaded Life (2021), and a myriad of comedy skits. She rose to prominence by using her platform to champion self-love and body positivity amongst plus-size women.
Earlier this year, in an interview with The PUNCH, she said that plus-size actresses are discriminated against in Nollywood.
“They’re biased against plus-size actresses, and it’s becoming worse for a generation with a fast mind. I don’t know who started the idea of putting one’s look over one’s talent. That is so ridiculous. They need to do better—all sizes should be included! Not even from a place where my forefathers and mothers were built like this. I can’t do anything about it; it’s in the genes.”
Her candid opinions on societal beauty standards, weight stigma, and online bullying often stirred conversations on social media.
