The year 2026 has recorded the painful deaths of several well-known figures in Nigeria’s movie industry. Between January and August, fans and filmmakers lost notable veterans and screen stars who contributed significantly to the growth of Nollywood.
Below are details of 10 Nollywood actors who passed away during the eight-month period:
Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo)
Veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, widely known as Ogogo, died on August 23, 2026, after a battle with stage-four cancer. Renowned for his roles in Yoruba-language films and his distinct screen presence, Hassan built a career spanning decades as a pillar of indigenous Nigerian cinema.
Temitope Osoba
Actress Temitope Osoba died on August 5, 2026, following a prolonged battle with breast cancer. She gained popularity for her versatile roles in various Nollywood productions and remained active in the industry prior to her health struggles.
Taiwo Adeshina (Elegbeje Ado)
Actor Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado, passed away on June 29, 2026, after a brief illness. He was a recognized figure in Yoruba cinema, noted for his comic timing and memorable character portrayals.
