- Nollywood has lost several actors in 2026, including veteran performers Olu Jacobs, Taiwo Hassan and Francis Duru, according to reports available as of October 23
- The reported losses span different generations of Nigerian entertainment, from Yoruba-language cinema and television comedy to mainstream films and theatre
- Their contributions include memorable screen characters, decades of acting and work supporting the development of younger performers
Nigeria’s film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, has experienced several reported losses in 2026, with the deaths of actors whose performances entertained audiences across Africa and beyond.
Source: UGC
The list includes established screen veterans, comedians and younger performers who contributed to different areas of the entertainment industry.
Among the latest reported deaths was Francis Duru, whose family announced his passing on October 23, 2026, following a brief illness. He was 57.
Below is a list of Nollywood actors and actresses reported to have died in 2026, based on the information provided and reports available as of October 23. The list is not exhaustive.
Actor or actress | Date or month of death | Known for |
Ajara Lasisi, popularly known as “Aunty Ajara” | February 5 | Comic and supporting roles in Yoruba films |
Bamidele Oluwatope, known as “Okemesi” | February 24 | Comedy and his distinctive Ekiti dialect |
Davis Offor, known as “Clarus” | April 6 | The New Masquerade |
Solomon Akiyesi | April 26 | Acting and film production |
Oby Kechere, associated with “Madam Koi Koi” | April 27 | Aki na Ukwa |
Alexx Ekubo | May | Afamefuna and The Blood Covenant |
Patrick “Energy” Okoye | May | Acting, theatre and teaching |
Fesogboye Oyewole | May 29 | Yoruba-language cinema |
Omooba Oluwasegun Oyeyemi | June 10 | Mount Zion's Abattoir |
Kola Oyewo | June 12 | Theatre, film and academic work |
Taiwo Adeshina, known as “Elegbeje Ado” | June 29 | Traditional and historical Yoruba films |
Temitope Osoba | August | Yoruba films, dancing and production |
Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as “Ogogo” | August 23 | Yoruba cinema |
Olu Jacobs | September 16 | Film, television and theatre |
Francis Duru | October 23 | Rattlesnake and other Nollywood productions |
The table reflects the dates and months listed in the supplied reports. Where a precise date was not provided, only the month is shown as reported by YEN News.
Remembering their lives and contributions
Olu Jacobs: A veteran of Nigerian cinema
Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria's best-known actors, with a career spanning more than five decades. His work included performances in Britain before he became a defining presence in Nigerian film and television.
Alongside his wife, actress Joke Silva, Jacobs also helped establish the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing to professional training in the performing arts.
His death was announced by Silva and their son.
Taiwo Hassan: The celebrated Yoruba actor
Taiwo Hassan, widely known as Ogogo, was a familiar figure in Yoruba-language cinema. His career made him a recognised name among audiences who followed traditional, historical and contemporary Yoruba films.
He died aged 66 on August 23, according to the supplied report. His daughter confirmed his passing after the family had previously sought assistance with his cancer treatment.
Alexx Ekubo: A leading man of a younger generation
Alexx Ekubo represented a younger generation of Nollywood actors who built careers across different film genres.
His credits included A Man for the Weekend, Devil in Agbada and Afamefuna: An Nwa-Boi Story. His work reached audiences through both Nigerian productions and films with broader international distribution.
Davis Offor and Oby Kechere: Memorable screen characters
Comedy fans remember Davis Offor for his portrayal of Clarus in the television series The New Masquerade.
Oby Kechere was associated with the nickname Madam Koi Koi following her appearance in Aki na Ukwa. Both performers became linked to screen characters that remained recognisable to audiences.
Francis Duru: Remembered for Rattlesnake
Francis Duru's reported death on October 23 brought another loss to the Nigerian film industry.
He was known for his role in the 1995 film Rattlesnake and other Nollywood productions. Duru belonged to a generation of performers whose work helped expand the reach of Nigerian cinema across Africa.
Following his death, his family requested prayers and understanding as they mourned his passing.
A year of losses across Nollywood
The reported deaths span multiple areas of Nigeria's entertainment industry, including mainstream cinema, Yoruba-language films, television comedy and theatre.
From veteran performers with decades of experience to actors associated with particular film and television characters, those listed contributed to the stories and performances that audiences continue to remember.
The list is based on the reports and family or industry announcements referenced in the supplied material. It should not be treated as a definitive record of every Nollywood actor or actress who died in 2026.
Source: TUKO.co.ke