Junior Pope, also known as John Paul Obumneme Odonwodo, was a distinguished actor, filmmaker, and content creator.
His journey in the acting profession commenced in 2006, and he quickly gained prominence with his appearance in the 2007 blockbuster “Secret Adventure,” directed by the renowned filmmaker Tchidi Chikere. Since his exceptional performance in this hit movie, Junior Pope has remained steadfast in the movie industry, working tirelessly to establish himself as a prominent figure among the stars of Nollywood.
Early life and Education
Junior Pope originated from the Ukehe tribe of Enugu State, located in the southeastern region of Nigeria, but spent his formative years in Cameroon, West Africa. He posessed a striking appearance and is endowed with creativity, innate talent, and exceptional acting skills. Junior Pope excelled in interpreting diverse roles assigned to him by directors, showcasing his versatility on screen. He concluded his primary and secondary education in Cameroon, obtaining both his First School Leaving Certificate and West African Senior School Certificate, before moving back to Nigeria.
Career
In 2006, Junior Pope Odonwodo made his entry into the Nigerian film industry, commonly known as Nollywood, where he began attending auditions and portraying minor roles such as bodyguards, palace attendants, and servants in various movies. However, it was in 2007 that he catapulted to stardom with his role in the blockbuster film “Secret Adventures,” directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Tchidi Chikere. This opportunity, according to Junior Pope, was pivotal in bringing him into the spotlight.
Throughout his career, Junior Pope Odonwodo has showcased his talent in over 150 Nollywood productions, including notable titles like “Mad Sex,” “Bitter Generation,” “Vengeance of Bullet,” “The Cat,” “The Generals,” and “Wrong Initiation,” among others. In recognition of his promising talent, he received the Nollywood Most Promising Actor award at the Entertainment Factory Awards in 2010.
Personal life
On 26th July 2014 Junior Pope Odonwodo got married to his long time girlfriend Jennifer Awele Okpuno and the marriage is blessed with beautiful kids.
DeathÂ
On the 10th of April 2024, Pope was on his way to a movie location using a boat before it was capsized with other actors in it at the Aram river in Anambra state.
Emeka Rollas, the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, has officially announced the passing of Nollywood actor John Paul Odonwodo, widely known as Junior Pope. Initially, there was hope when slight movements of his fingers were observed on Wednesday, but unfortunately, he did not survive the accident.
Net Worth
Junior Pope Odonwodo was one of the richest and most influential actor in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of $400,000.