The Nigerian movie industry has suffered several painful losses in 2026, with veteran actors, actresses and younger Nollywood stars passing away at different times during the year.
For many Nigerians, some of the names may bring back memories of popular movies, television programmes and characters they watched while growing up.
From legendary theatre and television figures to familiar faces in modern Nollywood, their deaths have continued to generate tributes from colleagues, families and fans.
Here is a list of some Nollywood actors and actresses whose deaths were reported in 2026.
1. Olu Jacobs
Veteran actor Olu Jacobs is the latest major Nollywood name to be added to the list.
Jacobs died at the age of 84, with his family confirming his death on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The legendary actor built a career that stretched across theatre, television and film and became one of the most recognised faces of Nigerian entertainment.
His marriage to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva also made the couple one of Nollywood's best-known families.
His death has triggered tributes from across Nigeria's entertainment industry and beyond.
2. Taiwo Hassan — ‘Ogogo’
Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, died in August 2026 at the age of 66.
He spent more than four decades in the Nigerian film industry and became particularly famous for his roles in Yoruba-language movies.
His death came after reports that he had been battling stage-four cancer.
Ogogo was one of the recognisable faces of indigenous Nigerian cinema and had featured in hundreds of productions during his career.
3. Temitope Osoba
Actress and filmmaker Temitope Osoba died in August 2026 at the age of 40.
She began her acting career in 2005 and appeared in several Yoruba-language productions.
Osoba also worked as a dancer and film producer and had spoken publicly about her battle with breast cancer.
Her death was followed by tributes from colleagues and fans across the industry.
4. Taiwo Adeshina — ‘Elegbeje Ado’
Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado, died on June 29, 2026.
He was known for his work in Yoruba-language movies and appeared in several indigenous productions.
His death was reported after a brief illness, adding to the losses suffered by the Yoruba movie industry during the year.
5. Kola Oyewo
The death of veteran actor, dramatist and theatre scholar Kola Oyewo was another major loss for Nigeria's performing arts community.
Oyewo died on June 12, 2026, at the age of 80.
He started his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and went on to establish himself in theatre, television and film.
He was particularly remembered for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi's classic play The Gods Are Not to Blame.
6. Okiki Adeshina — ‘Janmole’
Yoruba actor Okiki Adeshina, popularly known as Janmole, died in June 2026.
Reports said the actor died from injuries sustained in a road accident.
His death shocked colleagues and fans in the Yoruba movie industry, where he had built a reputation through his appearances in indigenous productions.
7. Alexx Ekubo
The death of popular actor Alexx Ekubo in May came as a major shock to fans of contemporary Nollywood.
Ekubo died at the age of 40.
He became widely known after emerging as the first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition and later built a successful acting career.
He appeared in films including A Man for the Weekend, The Blood Covenant, Devil in Agbada and Afamefuna: An Nwa-Boi Story.
8. Oby Kechere — ‘Madam Koi Koi’
Many Nigerians may remember actress and filmmaker Oby Kechere by her popular screen name, Madam Koi Koi.
Kechere died on April 27, 2026, following a prolonged illness.
She became widely known for her role as Ms Koi Koi in the popular comedy film Aki na Ukwa.
Beyond acting, she also worked as a filmmaker and producer and was involved in directing.
9. Solomon Akiyesi
Veteran actor Solomon Akiyesi also died in April 2026.
His death was reported by PUNCH on April 27, with the Actors Guild of Nigeria confirming the development.
Akiyesi featured in numerous Nollywood productions throughout his career and was a familiar face to many Nigerian movie viewers.
10. Davis Offor — ‘Clarus’
Older Nigerians who grew up watching classic Nigerian television will likely remember Davis Offor, popularly known as Clarus.
The veteran actor died on April 6, 2026, at the age of 85.
He was best known for playing Clarus Mgbeojikwe in the classic television comedy series The New Masquerade.
His portrayal of the mischievous houseboy made him one of the memorable faces of Nigerian television comedy.
11. Bamidele Oluwatope — ‘Okemesi’
Actor and content creator Bamidele Oluwatope, popularly known as Okemesi, died in February 2026.
He was particularly recognised in the Yoruba movie industry for his energetic and comic performances.
Oluwatope also incorporated English, Yoruba and his Ekiti dialect into his performances and online content.
12. Ajara Lasisi — ‘Aunty Ajara’
Nollywood actress Ajara Lasisi, popularly known as Aunty Ajara, died on February 5, 2026, after a prolonged illness.
She was known for her comic and supporting roles in Yoruba-language movies.
Her death was announced by filmmaker Tobi Oladele, popularly known as Tee Mony, and later confirmed by her brother, Ridwan Lasisi.
She was buried on the same day in accordance with Islamic rites.
A Year of Losses for Nollywood
The deaths recorded in 2026 have affected different generations of Nigeria's film and television industry.
Some of those who died were veterans who helped build Nigerian theatre and television, while others belonged to the younger generation of Nollywood performers.
The passing of Olu Jacobs on September 16 has now added another iconic name to an already long list of entertainers Nigeria has lost this year.
Although these actors and actresses are no longer alive, their movies, television characters and performances remain available to generations of Nigerians who grew up watching them.
For many fans, seeing their names again in old movies can serve as a reminder of how much the Nigerian entertainment industry has changed over the years.