Nollywood Mourns Veteran Actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ at 66. Veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and Yoruba cinema icon, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66.
His death was confirmed on Sunday by his daughter, Kira Taiwo, during an emotional Instagram Live session. She broke down while announcing the passing of her father. The actor’s death came days after his family disclosed that he was battling stage four cancer and appealed for urgent medical assistance. The development also came barely five days after the family dismissed reports that Ogogo had died. On August 18, social media reports claimed that the actor had passed away, but his daughter, Lima Taiwo, described the reports as false and urged the public to disregard them.
However, the family has now confirmed his death.
Born on October 31, 1959, in Ilaro, Ogun State, Ogogo began his acting career in the early 1980s and went on to build a career spanning more than four decades. Before becoming a full-time actor, he reportedly trained and worked as an automobile mechanic and later worked with the Lagos State Water Corporation. He left the job in 1994 to focus fully on acting and film-making.
Ogogo became one of the most recognizable faces in the Yoruba film industry, working as an actor, producer, director and screenwriter. He featured in several notable productions, including Owo Blow, Agbelebu, Omin, Omo Ghetto, Tenant of the House, Bank Alert and Aníkúlápó. His role in Kunle Afolayan’s Aníkúlápó further introduced him to a new generation of film lovers. He was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for his performance in the movie.
News of his death has sparked an outpouring of grief across Nollywood, with colleagues including Saidi Balogun, Wunmi Toriola and Ayo Adesanya mourning the veteran actor. For many followers of Yoruba cinema, Ogogo was part of a generation of actors who helped establish and promote indigenous-language films in Nigeria. His distinctive acting style, strong screen presence and long career earned him a lasting place in the industry. Ogogo’s death marks the loss of one of the veteran voices of Yoruba Nollywood. He is survived by his family, while tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, friends and admirers.
Details about his burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.
