Netsanet Workneh
Netsanet Workneh | |
|---|---|
| ነፃነት ወርቅነህ | |
 | |
| Born | 11 April 1983 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| Died | 16 January 2026 (aged 42) |
| Resting place | Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa |
| Alma mater | Addis Ababa University |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2000s–2026 |
| Notable work | City Boys Salnegirat Yanchaw Leba 2 Mr. X Chombe |
| Children | 3 |
Netsanet Workneh (Amharic: ነፃነት ወርቅነህ; 11 April 1983[1] – 16 January 2026) was an Ethiopian actor, filmmaker, and television personality. He worked on major films, mostly comedy genre.
Netsanet's first performance was in a play called Fresh Man while performing in National Theatre. He also appeared in numerous sketch comedies before joining the film industry. Netsanet successful films include City Boys, Salnegirat, Yanchaw Leba 2, Mr. X, and Chombe. In 2017, he produced and hosted the game show Yebeteseb Chewata, which was aired on EBS TV.
Netsanet died on 16 January 2026 from an unspecified illness. He had long-term complications earlier that led to hospitalization. His instant death news shocked his fans, celebrities, and relatives as it was circulated in the media. He was buried at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa on 18 January. He was the father of three children.
Life and career
Netsanet was born in Addis Ababa on 11 April 1983. He began his passion in performing arts at high school, portraying female characters to attract audiences. He studied theater arts at Addis Ababa University where he became popular. In particular, he drew attention for playing Fresh Man character. He made various films in Ethiopian cinema, as well as assisted in filmmaking. Major successful films include City Boys, Salnegirat, Yanchaw Leba 2, Mr. X, and Chombe. Natsanet produced and created Yebeteseb Chewata (English: Ethiopia’s Family Game), a game show that combined with his wit. It was aired on EBS TV.[2]
On 16 January 2026, Netsanet died after a prolonged illness. [2] He is survived by his wife and three children. Ethiopian media report that he had suffered from a prolonged condition that led him to specialized care treatment. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed gave his condolences, recalling his performance at the 2023 New Year's Eve program that was held at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.[3]
His death sparked tributes from mass media, especially social media, circulating his videos that feature his works in films and wholehearted message about his medical condition, as well as from his friends. On 17 January, EBS TV fellows and his family planned his funeral arrangements. [1] On 18 January, his body laid to rest at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa. The funeral was attended by family members, relatives, fellows and his fans, and government officials. [4]
Filmography
| Title | Year |
|---|---|
| FBI | 2010 |
| Yanchiw Leba | 2011 |
| Mr. X | 2011 |
| FBI 2 | 2012 |
| YaKen | 2012 |
| Balekelem Hilmoch | 2012 |
| City Boyz | 2012 |
| Taschershignalesh | 2013 |
| Sostegna Wegen | 2015 |
| Salnegrat | 2015 |
| Chombe | 2015 |
| Common Course | 2015 |
| Yanchiw Leba 2 | 2017 |
| FBI 3 | 2017 |
| Fikir Min Agebaw | 2018 |
| Classmate | 2020 |
References
- ^ a b Evans (16 January 2026). "Netsanet Workneh Biography: Age, Wife, Movies, Career, Personal Life And Cause Of Death". Retrieved 17 January 2026.
- ^ a b Insight, Addis (16 January 2026). "Beloved Ethiopian Actor and TV Host Netsanet Workneh Passes Away at 49". Addis Insight. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ "PM Abiy Ahmed expresses sadness over death of renowned artist Netsanet Workneh". Welcome to Fana Media Corporation S.C. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ "Renowned Ethiopian Artist Netsanet Workneh Laid to Rest in Addis Ababa". Welcome to Fana Media Corporation S.C. 18 January 2026. Retrieved 19 January 2026.