Nollywood Legends That Have Passed In 2026

The Nigerian film industry, also known as Nollywood, recorded the loss of several veteran actors in 2026. For decades, these thespians helped shape Nigerian entertainment through remarkable performances across theatre, television and film.

Their careers spanned generations, with many of them leaving behind hundreds of artistic performances that entertained audiences, told important Nigerian stories and helped preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage.

As Nollywood mourns these industry veterans, here is a look at some of their notable works. 

1. Olu Jacobs — 1942–2026

Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His death marked the end of a career that spanned more than five decades.

Jacobs built an international career before becoming one of the defining figures in Nigerian theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and appeared in British television productions and international films before establishing himself as one of Nollywood’s most respected actors.

10 Remarkable Works

1. Dancing Heart (2006)
   One of his notable performances, He won the African Movie Academy Awards For Best Actor In a Leading Role for this film

2. Adesuwa (2012)
   A historical drama in which Jacobs played Ezomo, the film won Best Nigerian Film at the AMAA.

3. Potomanto (2013)
   Jacobs played Bankole, a wealthy businessman who hires a private investigator to investigate his wife.

4. Dry (2015)
   A socially conscious film that explores child marriage and its consequences, with Jacobs playing the role of a Speaker.

5. Oloibiri (2016)
   Jacobs played Timipre in the drama, which centred on oil exploration and its impact on communities in the Niger Delta.

6. The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017)
   The film formed part of the modern romantic-comedy wave in Nigerian cinema and featured Jacobs among its veteran performers.
7. Citation (2020)
   One of Jacobs’ later significant screen appearances, the film also introduced his work to a younger generation of audiences.
8. The Dogs of War (1980)
   One of his early international film appearances, in which he played a Customs Officer alongside Christopher Walken.
9. Pirates (1986)
   Roman Polanski’s adventure film featured Jacobs as Boomako.
10. Ashanti (1979)
    One of his earliest international film appearances, in which he played Commissioner Batak alongside Michael Caine and Peter Ustinov.

Jacobs’ contribution extended beyond individual film performances. He was also a co-founder of the Lufodo Group and received major industry and national honours, including the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.

2. Taiwo Hassan “Ogogo” — 1959–2026

Veteran actor, filmmaker and screenwriter Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, died on August 23, 2026, at the age of 66. 

Hassan’s career covered acting, filmmaking and screenwriting, making him an important figure in the development of Yoruba cinema.

10 Remarkable Works

1. Owo Blow (1995)
   His role as Wole Owolabi helped establish him as a major Yoruba and Nigerian screen actor.
2. Agbelebu (1995)
   One of the early productions associated with his rise to prominence in Yoruba-language cinema.
3. Danfo Driver (1995)
   The production showcased his ability to combine comedy, street realism and memorable characterisation.
4. Ekun-Ayo (1996)
   Another production that formed part of his extensive body of early Yoruba-language work.
5. Omin (2008)
   The film added to Hassan’s long list of performances in Yoruba cinema.
6. Elewon (2009)
   Another notable entry in his extensive filmography, further demonstrating his versatility as an actor.
7. Omo Ghetto (2010)
   The film helped expose his work to audiences beyond the traditional Yoruba-language cinema space.
8. Aye O (2016)
   Another production that contributed to his extensive legacy in Yoruba-language storytelling.
9. Aníkúlápó (2022)
   His portrayal of Alaafin Ademuyiwa introduced his work to a new generation of viewers through contemporary Nigerian streaming cinema.
10. Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre (2024)
    His return as Alaafin Ademuyiwa demonstrated his continued presence in contemporary Nigerian screen storytelling.

3. Kola Oyewo — 1946–2026

Veteran Yoruba actor and theatre practitioner Kola Oyewo died on June 12, 2026, at the age of 80. His career spanned approximately six decades and extended beyond acting to include theatre, teaching and cultural scholarship.

Oyewo was particularly recognised for his powerful performances in Yoruba-language productions and for his contribution to the preservation and presentation of Nigerian culture through the performing arts.

10 Remarkable Works

1. The Gods Are Not to Blame
   Oyewo played the role of Odewale in the celebrated adaptation of Ola Rotimi’s classic play.
2. Saworoide
   A landmark Nigerian political-cultural film in which Oyewo’s theatrical experience translated powerfully to the screen.
3. Koseegbe
   Another important Yoruba-language production that formed part of his extensive filmography.
4. Sango
   A Nigerian historical and cultural production that reflected his strength in stories rooted in Yoruba history and tradition.
5. O Le Ku
   The film further demonstrated Oyewo’s versatility in Yoruba-language storytelling.
6. Efunsetan Aniwura
   A culturally grounded production that highlighted his ability to portray characters within historical and traditional settings.
7. Yemoja
   A production rooted in Yoruba cultural traditions and mythology, reflecting his longstanding connection to culturally significant stories.
8. Omo University
   The film expanded his body of screen work beyond historical drama and cultural narratives.
9. Oosa Aafin
   Another production that formed part of Oyewo’s extensive contribution to Yoruba-language cinema.
10. Ogeere
    One of the productions that contributed to the substantial body of work that defined his later screen career.

The deaths of Olu Jacobs, Taiwo Hassan “Ogogo” and Kola Oyewo in 2026 have once again drawn attention to the generation of performers whose careers helped lay the foundation for the Nigerian film industry.

Their individual styles may have been different, but their careers shared a common thread: a commitment to a body of work that continues to form part of Nollywood’s cultural history.