Obi Ndefo, a talented actor recognized for his standout performances in both TV and film, has passed away at 51. The heartbreaking news came from his sister, Nkem Ndefo, who announced it on Facebook on August 31. In her touching post, she shared her grief while also finding solace in the thought that her younger brother has found peace, writing, “Heartbroken at the loss of my younger brother đź’” and knowing he’s finally at peace ❤️‍🩹🕊️✨.”
Born in 1973, Obi made a significant impact in the entertainment world with notable roles such as Rak’nor in “Stargate SG-1,” parts in “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “The Wayans Bros.,” and “3rd Rock from the Sun.” Yet, his most memorable role was playing Bodie Wells, the brother-in-law of Katie Holmes’ character, in “Dawson’s Creek” from 1998 to 2002.
Following his death, his “Dawson’s Creek” co-star Mary-Margaret Humes paid a moving tribute on Instagram. She shared a heartfelt caption that read:
“These words don’t come easy đź’” It’s hard for me to conceive that you have left us, my dear friend. You always were and always will be a bright shining light. What an example of pure unfiltered love and tenacity you set as you faced life’s challenges of recent. I will cherish all of our messages of love and support to each other over the past few years. Rest in peace sweet warrior.”
Beyond his work on screen, Obi was a passionate supporter of the arts and worked tirelessly to empower young people through his organization, Arts for a Better Tomorrow.
Obi’s life took a dramatic turn in 2019 when a hit-and-run accident in Los Angeles resulted in the loss of both his legs.
To assist with his recovery and new way of life, a GoFundMe campaign was set up in 2020. It raised more than $200,000, which went toward purchasing prosthetic legs and making necessary modifications to his home in Silver Lake.
Despite this life-altering incident, Obi continued to focus on his creative passions and even embraced a new path as a yoga instructor, dedicating himself to his health and helping others in their healing journeys.
Who Are His Parents?
Obi’s life was shaped by a rich blend of cultures, stemming from his biracial background. His father, Ejike Ndefo, an African-American with deep ties to his Nigerian heritage, was highlighted in a moving Facebook post by Obi’s sister, Nkem. The post included a linocut their father created to aid relief efforts during the 1967-1970 Biafran war. Ejike had moved to the U.S. to pursue a Ph.D. in engineering at UC Berkeley, arriving during a turbulent period in Nigeria. Amidst these challenges, he organized relief efforts, leveraging the talents of the local Igbo community filled with artists, performers, and scholars.
On Obi’s mother’s side, his mom, Susan Matranga, who is White, shared a particularly close relationship with him, especially after his tragic accident in Los Angeles. They were living together at the time, and Susan was deeply touched by her son’s enduring positivity. She often spoke about how his openness and kindness had a transformative effect on everyone he met, comparing it to eggs gently tapping a bowl and breaking open.
Despite the strong family ties, Ejike and Susan eventually divorced. Ejike is now married to Obi’s stepmother, Vickie Ndefo, who is a former Director of Computing Skills Development at Aerospace.
Who Was His Wife?
At the time of his passing, Obi was not married. His Facebook status indicated he was single, and it seems his devotion to yoga and his artistic endeavors took precedence over romantic relationships
