Nollywood has suffered a series of painful losses in 2026, with at least 10 actors and filmmakers dying within the year, leaving families, colleagues and movie lovers grieving.
The deceased include veterans who spent decades on stage and screen, as well as younger entertainers who had established themselves in Yoruba and contemporary Nigerian cinema.
Among the latest deaths is that of veteran Yoruba actor and filmmaker, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who died on August 23 at the age of 66.
Hassan’s death was confirmed by his daughter, Kira Hassan, and veteran actor, Jide Kosoko.
Reports said the actor had been battling stage-four cancer before his death. He was buried the following day in Ilaro, Ogun State, according to Islamic rites.
Also in August, Yoruba actress and filmmaker, Temitope Osoba, died at the age of 40.
She reportedly passed away on August 4, with colleagues announcing her death the following day. Osoba, who began her acting career in 2005, was also involved in dancing and film production and had reportedly battled breast cancer.
Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Adeshina, popularly called Elegbeje Ado, died on June 29, aged 66, after a brief illness.
His death was announced by fellow actor Kunle Afod. Adeshina was known for his contributions to Yoruba-language productions during a career spanning more than two decades.
The industry also lost renowned actor, theatre scholar and academic, Kola Oyewo, who died on June 12 at the age of 80. Oyewo started his professional acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and later became a major figure in Nigerian theatre and film.
He was particularly acclaimed for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s classic play, The Gods Are Not to Blame.
Another Yoruba actor and comedian, Okiki Adeshina, popularly known as Janmole, died in June after sustaining injuries in a road accident.
The death was announced by the President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Bolaji Amusan, better known as Mr Latin.
Nollywood actor and model, Alexx Ekubo, also died on May 11 at the age of 40. His family later disclosed that he passed away at Evercare Hospital in Lagos following complications associated with advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
Ekubo rose to prominence after emerging as the first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition before establishing himself as a prominent Nollywood actor.
In April, the industry mourned actress and filmmaker Cecilia Oby Kechere, popularly known as Madam Koi Koi. She died on April 27 after a prolonged illness.
The Directors Guild of Nigeria announced her death. Kechere was widely remembered for her role as Ms Koi Koi in the popular film, Aki na Ukwa.
Veteran actor Solomon Akiyesi was also reported dead in April. The Actors Guild of Nigeria confirmed his death on April 27. During his career, Akiyesi appeared in numerous Nollywood productions and became a familiar face among Nigerian movie audiences.
Another veteran, Davis Offor, popularly known as Clarus, died on April 6 at the age of 85. Offor achieved nationwide recognition through his portrayal of Clarus Mgbeojikwe, the mischievous houseboy in the popular television comedy series, The New Masquerade.
Earlier in February, Yoruba comic actor and content creator Bamidele Oluwatope, popularly known as Okemesi, died. He was celebrated for his energetic performances in Yoruba films and online skits, often blending English, Yoruba and his Ekiti dialect in his content.
The deaths have further highlighted the contributions of actors from different generations to the growth of Nigeria’s theatre and film industry, with colleagues and fans continuing to pay tribute to their legacies.
