Veteran Nollywood actor Davis Ofor, widely recognised for his role as Clarus in the classic sitcom New Masquerade, has passed away at the age of 85.
The news was announced on Tuesday by fellow actor Tony Akposheri via Instagram, where he expressed shock and grief over the loss, recalling their recent time together during the New Year.
“Today, my heart is heavy. Davis Ofor, fondly known as Clarus from New Masquerade, is gone.
“We crossed into the New Year together, laughing, talking, sharing memories, and speaking hopefully about the days ahead,” he wrote.
“We spoke about life, about plans, about how far we had come. None of us knew that time was already counting differently for you.”
Akposheri described the late actor as more than just a screen figure, highlighting his warmth, humour, and vibrant presence.
“You were more than a familiar face on screen. You were a friend, a brother, a man with warmth, humour, and a presence that could light up any space,” he wrote.
“It is hard to believe that the voice I heard not long ago is now a memory. Hard to accept that someone so full of life can suddenly become a story we tell.”
He added, “Rest well, my friend. You came, you gave joy, you made your mark, and you will never be forgotten.”
Ofor rose to fame through his portrayal of Clarus, a beloved comic character in New Masquerade, which aired on the Nigerian Television Authority and became a household favourite in the 1980s.
His performance earned him widespread recognition and made Clarus one of the most memorable characters in Nigerian television history. Details about the cause of his death were not immediately disclosed.