Actress, Content Creator, Monalisa Stephen, Dies

NOLLYWOOD actress and content creator, Monalisa Stephen, is dead.
She reportedly died in Lagos on Tuesday, May 13, from low blood sugar and internal bleeding, according to the Founder of Best of Nollywood, Seun Oloketuyi,
Sharing a photo of the late actress on Istagram on Wednesday, May 14, 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, also known as Gabacci during her lifetime, rose to prominence by using her platform to champion self-love and body positivity amongst plus-size women and featured in movies, including Mami Wata (2023), Breaded Life (2021) and a couple of comedy skits.
Earlier in an interview with The Punch this year, she lamented facing discrimination in Nollywood, noting: “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.”