Born on 20 November 1942 in Oria-Abraka, Delta State, Esiri attended Urhobo College, Effurun, Warri in Delta State. He travelled to Germany to study engineering at the Maximillan University, Munich, Germany, 1964, where he developed an interest in theatre.
Esiri started his acting career in Germany. He was the only Nigerian male that performed on stage between 1968 and 1969. He also worked for Voice of Nigeria VON, German Service, as a translator.
The veteran actor won several laurels including THEMA Awards, NTA Honours Awards and AMAA awards. He was also the star actor in acclaimed productions such as “Wasted Years”, “Forever,” “The Prize”, “Six Demons”, “Corridors of Power”, “Last Knight”, “The Tyrant”, ‘The Investigation”, “The Ghost.” He was also reputed to have performed on more TV Network drama programmes than any Nigerian actor.
Assassin’s Practice, one of the most recent movies where he featured, was produced last year.
Late Esiri was last seen at a social function few weeks ago when a delegation of the Federal Government led by Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, met some major stakeholders in the Movie industry in Lagos, to inform them of the forthcoming centenary celebration and to seek the support of the Nollywood industry.
At the close-door parley, Esiri bubbled with life. He sat next to the Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, and did not show any sign of failing health.
Esiri’s death came two months after another veteran actor, Enebeli Elebuwa, a.k.a Andrew died in an Indian hospital and 18 months after legendary actor, Sam Loko Efe also took his bow.
In one of his last interviews, Esiri had lamented his deteriorating health condition, saying “I had to be rushed abroad. But since I came back, I’ve not been fine-it’s either one sickness or the other. But thank God things will get better.”
He was married to Omiete and had six children, one of them being Dentist-turned pop artiste, Dr SID.
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