Obi Ndefo, known for his role on Dawson’s Creek, passes away at 51 | Entertainment News
Dawson’s Creek actor Obi Ndefo has passed away at 51, according to his family.
The American actor, known for his role in the teen drama from 1998 to 2002, died on Wednesday after a long battle with orthorexia, an eating disorder, his sister Nkem Ndefo shared on Instagram.
“As his family, we share this news to shed light on the seriousness of orthorexia and to advocate for compassionate care for those struggling with this illness,” she added.
Orthorexia is characterized by an obsession with consuming high-quality nutritious foods, often resulting in an extremely limited diet.
Ndefo, who also appeared in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Stargate SG-1, had both his legs amputated following a hit-and-run incident in Los Angeles in 2019.
Ndefo continued practicing yoga after he lost his legs. Pic: GoFundMe/Susan Matranga
Katie Holmes, who starred in Dawson’s Creek as Joey Potter, paid tribute to Ndefo on Instagram, saying: “He was wonderful to work with and such a kind man. I send prayers and grace to his family. Rest in peace.”
Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson Leery’s mother on the show, expressed her sadness over Ndefo’s passing.
“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.”
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A GoFundMe page set up for Ndefo by his family raised over $287,000 (£218,385) to help with prosthetic legs, necessary surgery, and wheelchair accessibility modifications to his home.
The fundraising page, signed by Ndefo’s mother Susan Matranga, detailed the accident that led to his leg amputation and the challenges he faced.
“According to the first responders and orthopedic surgeons, it is an absolute miracle that Obi survived,” it read, adding Nefo still managed to “smile and share positivity with everyone” through his surgeries.
Updates on the page shared how Ndefo continued with his yoga practice after the loss of his legs.
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Ndefo sent an update in December 2020, expressing gratitude for the support he received during his transition to a new phase of life and his commitment to service as an artist and educator.
