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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Culture & Society

15 things to know about late Nollywood actor Ogogo

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, widely known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
  • Hassan, who began his acting career in 1981, was a prominent figure in Yoruba films and also worked as a producer, director, and screenwriter.
  • His career spanned over four decades, featuring in numerous memorable productions and portraying a range of authoritative and dramatic roles.

Veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, celebrated by fans and colleagues under his popular screen name Ogogo, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66. His death followed a protracted struggle with cancer. The confirmation came from his daughter, Kira Taiwo, who announced the news in an emotional video, five days after initial reports of his passing were dismissed by the family as false.

Hassan, born on October 31, 1959, in Ilaro, Ogun State, spent his formative years there before relocating to Lagos. In Lagos, he pursued his education, acquired a trade as an automobile mechanic, and worked for approximately 13 years at the Lagos State Water Corporation. He balanced his government job with acting for several years before resigning in 1994 to dedicate himself fully to his acting career, coinciding with the rise of home videos in Nigeria.

Ogogo's acting journey began in 1981, and his career extended over four decades. He became more than just an actor, also serving as a producer, director, and screenwriter. His contributions often centered on stories rooted in Yoruba culture, family dynamics, leadership, tradition, and social responsibility. He was known for portraying a diverse array of authoritative and dramatic characters across numerous films.

Throughout his career, Ogogo featured in many memorable productions, including "Owo Blow," "Agbelebu," "Omo Ghetto," "Omin," "Tenant of the House," "Bank Alert," and "Anรญkรบlรกpรณ." His early work in the mid-1990s also involved writing and producing films like "Agbelebu" (1995) and "Ekun-Ayo" (Tears of Joy) (1996). His later credits extended into the 2020s, with appearances in films such as "IGE โ€“ The Unlikely Oil Merchant" (2023) and "Bank Alert" (2023), solidifying his enduring presence in the Nigerian film industry.

My daddy is dead.

โ€” Kira TaiwoThe daughter of the late actor confirming his death.
DistantNews Editorial

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