Obi Ndefo of “Dawson’s Creek” Passes Away at 51

Obi Ndefo of "Dawson's Creek" Passes Away at 51

Obi Ndefo, known for his role in “Dawson’s Creek,” has passed away at 51, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and talent.

At a Glance

  • Obi Ndefo, actor from “Dawson’s Creek” and “Stargate SG-1,” died at 51 due to complications from orthorexia.
  • His death was announced by his sister, Nkem Ndefo, who is raising awareness about orthorexia and its connection to autoimmunity.
  • Ndefo had overcome a tragic 2019 accident that resulted in the loss of both his legs.
  • He was a Yale Drama School graduate and founded the non-profit Arts Alliance for Humanity.

A Career Cut Short

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Obi Ndefo, a talented actor known for his roles in popular television series. Ndefo passed away on Wednesday, August 28, at a Los Angeles hospital at the age of 51. His sister, Nkem Ndefo, announced his death on social media, revealing that complications from orthorexia, a lesser-known eating disorder, were the cause.

Ndefo’s acting career spanned several beloved shows, with his most notable role being Bodie Wells on “Dawson’s Creek” from 1998 to 2002. He also played the Jaffa warrior Rak’nor on “Stargate SG-1” from 2000 to 2005. His talents graced other popular series such as “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “The West Wing,” and “NYPD Blue,” showcasing his versatility as an actor.

A Battle with Orthorexia

The circumstances surrounding Ndefo’s death have brought attention to orthorexia, an eating disorder characterized by an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating. His sister Nkem shared insights into his struggle, explaining how it began innocuously with a raw vegan diet but eventually became more about controlling food than maintaining health.

“He started as a raw vegan which in hindsight was the beginning of the orthorexia as it was more about controlling food than health. The severity only worsened,” she wrote on X.

Nkem Ndefo also highlighted an important aspect of eating disorders that often goes overlooked: “New research shows a strong link between autoimmunity and eating disorders but sadly conventional treatment centers have not caught up with the research so my brother was never tested and treated. The split between psychiatry and neurology and immunology is so harmful.”

A Legacy of Resilience

Obi Ndefo’s life was marked by more than just his acting career. In 2019, he faced a life-altering tragedy when he lost both legs in a hit-and-run accident caused by a drunk driver. Despite this devastating setback, Ndefo maintained an inspiring outlook on life. In an interview following the accident, he remarked, “This is just so horrendous what happened to me, why would I compound this by feeling bad about it?”

“I almost died and it’s a miracle I’m still alive,” Obi said on Meet The Biz With David Zimmerman in 2023. “I credit my love of and fascination with healthy foods to my rapid recovery.”

Beyond acting, Ndefo was a Yale Drama School graduate, holding both a BA and an MFA. He founded the Los Angeles-based non-profit Arts Alliance for Humanity, supporting arts education in public schools and communities. He was also a yoga teacher for twice-exceptional children, showcasing his commitment to helping others.

As the entertainment industry and fans alike mourn the loss of this multifaceted talent, Obi Ndefo’s family is working to raise awareness about orthorexia and collect donations for research on autoimmunity in eating disorders. Those wishing to contribute or learn more can do so through the National Eating Disorder Association.

Sources

  1. ‘Dawson’s Creek’ actor Obi Ndefo dead at 51
  2. Obi Ndefo, Dawson’s Creek Actor, Dead at 51
  3. ‘Dawson’s Creek’ actor Obi Ndefo dead at 51
  4. Obi Ndefo, ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Actor Who Lost His Legs After Hit-and-Run Accident, Dies at 51
  5. Dawson’s Creek actor Obi Ndefo dead at 51 – years after losing both legs in hit-and-run crash
  6. Obi Ndefo, Dawson’s Creek Actor, Dead at 51

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR