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10 things to know about late Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’

10 things to know about late Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’

From Vanguard · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Outcome reported
  • Veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, known as Ogogo, has died at age 66 after a battle with cancer.
  • His daughter confirmed his death, five days after a previous false report was dismissed.
  • Hassan had a career spanning over four decades, working as an actor, producer, director, and screenwriter, often focusing on Yoruba culture.

Taiwo Hassan, a revered figure in Nollywood affectionately known as Ogogo, has passed away at the age of 66 following a protracted struggle with cancer. The confirmation of his death came from his daughter, Kira Taiwo, during an emotional live video on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

This announcement followed a period of uncertainty, as the family had only five days prior refuted an earlier report of his demise. Tributes have since poured in for the veteran actor, highlighting his significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry, particularly within Yoruba cinema.

Hassan, born in Ogun State, began his acting journey in 1981. Before dedicating himself fully to the arts, he trained as an automobile mechanic and also worked for the Lagos State Water Corporation for approximately 13 years. He made the pivotal decision in 1994 to leave his government job, fully embracing his passion for acting during a transformative period for Nigeria's entertainment sector.

Throughout his illustrious career, which spanned more than four decades, Ogogo was not only an actor but also a producer, director, and screenwriter. He became one of the most recognizable faces in Yoruba-language films, often portraying characters rooted in Yoruba culture, family dynamics, and moral conflicts. His work frequently explored themes of tradition, leadership, and social responsibility, leaving a lasting legacy on Nollywood.

My daddy is dead.

— Kira TaiwoTaiwo Hassan's daughter confirming his death.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.