Two days after Nollywood actor, Gbenga Richard died, the Nigerian movie industry lost another gem in actor, Leo Mezie who gave up the ghost on Saturday, May 14, 2022.
Actress Chioma Toplis confirmed Leo’s passing on Monday afternoon. She said he died at the age of 46 while recovering from a kidney transplant.
Taking to Instagram, she wrote: “Actor Leo Mezie is dead. He died on Saturday in Abuja while recovering from a kidney transplant. His corpse has been moved to Umuahia his hometown. RIP Leo.”
7-Years Battle With Kidney Disease
The actor’s ailment was first reported in 2016 when word got out that he was down with kidney-related disease. Leo Mezie solicited £60,000 for treatment in the UK from the public but only N1.2million was raised.
The actor later came out to announce that Apostle Johnson Suleman of Omega Fire Ministries sponsored his medical trip and treatment in London. He also announced that he was advised not to go for a transplant.
Leo Mezie was back on his feet again after a successful surgery. He squealed to Inside Nollywood about how he had given up all hopes to live until God gave him a second chance.
“After a series of prayers, the kidneys that were diagnosed and confirmed damaged began to pick up and heal. In the long run, I didn’t have to go through any transplants; the doctors were amazed at the sudden transformation, which could be done by only God.
A Relapse Happened
Tragedy struck again in 2019 as Leo Mezie suffered a relapse and needed an urgent transplant. His brother, Tony Mezie told Premium Times that the actor best known for his roles in the 2003 movie ‘Labista’, needed the sum of N20,000,000 for an immediate kidney transplant.
He said, “Leo is currently receiving dialysis treatment at a Lagos hospital. The ailment resurfaced when he went to the United Kingdom for checks last year. A relapse occurred about 11 months ago and we are doing our best to ensure that he gets urgent medical attention.
“He undergoes dialysis thrice a week, and one session cost about N45, 000. Leo needs a minimum of N20m to undergo treatment and transplant.”
Tony also informed the Newspaper that the Actors Guild of Nigeria was organizing a fundraiser on Leo’s behalf. Efforts made by the industry governing body yielded a cash donation of N3 million from Warri-based Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyi to the actor towards his medical treatment on March 31, 2019.
The cleric in his usual manner made the donation at an event in his church. Nollywood actors, Chinwe Owoh, Kanayo O. Kanayo, and AGN president, Emeka Rollas, were reported to be present at the occasion.
News from the actor went dark for a few years till his death from a kidney-related issue was announced on Monday. He was said to have been recovering after getting the transplant done more than 6-years later.
Born Mezie Onyemachi Leonard, Leo Mezie died at the age of 46 and has been divorced for more than 4-years before his death.
