Full List Of Nollywood Actors Who D!ed In 2026 — Names Emerge

The Nigerian film industry has suffered a series of heartbreaking losses in 2026, with 15 actors and filmmakers reportedly passing away throughout the year.

The deaths have affected different sections of the entertainment industry, including Yoruba cinema, mainstream Nollywood and Christian film productions. The deceased included respected veterans who played significant roles in the growth of Nigerian television and cinema, as well as younger performers whose careers were still developing.

According to reports, the actors died under different circumstances, including prolonged illnesses, cancer, medical complications and road accidents. Their deaths have continued to attract tributes from colleagues, professional associations, relatives and fans across the country.

Among those who died was Yoruba actress Ajara Lasisi, popularly known as Aunty Ajara. She passed away on February 5 after a prolonged illness. Her death was confirmed by her brother, Ridwan Lasisi, following an earlier announcement by filmmaker Tobi Oladele, popularly known as Tee Mony. Ajara was known for her comic and supporting roles in Yoruba-language productions, with credits including “Gingerrr,” “Queen Lateefah” and “Isiti.” She was buried on the same day in accordance with Islamic rites.

On February 24, the industry also lost actor and content creator Bamidele Oluwatope, popularly known as Okemesi. He gained recognition through comedy and his distinctive use of Yoruba, English and the Ekiti dialect. His screen credits included “Aborisade,” “Mebamu,” “The Order,” “Arewa Okunrin” and “Eyan Ni Mi.” Reports indicated that he suffered medical complications and later slipped into a coma before his death.

Veteran actor Davis Offor died on April 6 at the age of 85. He was widely remembered for playing Clarus Mgbeojikwe in the classic television comedy “The New Masquerade.” His portrayal of the mischievous houseboy made him a familiar figure to generations of Nigerians and established him as one of the notable faces of early Nigerian television comedy.

On April 26, veteran Nollywood actor and producer Solomon Akiyesi died in Abuja. The Actors Guild of Nigeria confirmed his death, with reports indicating that he died in his sleep. Akiyesi had spent more than two decades in the industry and featured in productions including “Deadly Affair,” “Heart of a Saint,” “Desperate Ladies,” “Pretty Liars,” “Marry Who You Love” and “Accidentally Us.” He was also involved in film production and activities of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

Just a day later, on April 27, actress, filmmaker and producer Cecilia Oby Kechere, popularly known as Madam Koi Koi, died after a prolonged illness. The Directors Guild of Nigeria announced her death. Kechere joined Nollywood in the early 2000s and became popular for her portrayal of Ms Koi Koi in “Aki na Ukwa.” She also worked extensively behind the scenes as a filmmaker and producer.

May brought another major loss with the reported death of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo at the age of 40. Ekubo, who was the first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition, became one of the familiar faces of contemporary Nollywood. He appeared in films such as “A Man for the Weekend,” “The Blood Covenant,” “Devil in Agbada” and “Afamefuna: An Nwa-Boi Story.” His death generated widespread tributes from colleagues and fans. His family later disclosed that he died from complications linked to advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

Actor, lecturer and theatre practitioner Patrick “Energy” Okoye also died in May at the age of 41. Okoye was an academic in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. His creative interests extended beyond acting to singing, dancing and choreography. Productions associated with him included “Midnight Love,” “Old School,” “Finding a Wife,” “The Lion,” “The Jagaban” and “Over My Dead Body.”

The Yoruba movie industry suffered another loss on May 29 with the death of veteran actor Fesogboye Oyewole, popularly known as Feso Oyewole. His family confirmed his passing the following day, after TAMPAN President Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, had earlier announced the news. Oyewole spent several years in the Yoruba film industry and was regarded as one of the veterans who contributed to its growth.

In June, Yoruba actor and comedian Adeshina Oshin, popularly known as Janmole, died following a road accident. He had reportedly been active in the movie industry since 1989 and became associated with “Jamonle,” which helped establish his stage identity. Other productions linked to his career included “Agunbaniro,” “Iyawo Asante,” “Ogbon Inu” and “Orogun Adedigba.”

Actor Omooba Oluwasegun Oyeyemi died on June 10 at the age of 38. He was particularly known among followers of Christian films for his role in the Mount Zion production “Abattoir,” where he played Flora’s husband. The Bowen University Alumni Association announced his death and paid tribute to him as a member of its alumni and drama community.

Two days later, on June 12, veteran actor, dramatist and academic Kola Oyewo died at the age of 80. His death was confirmed by actor Kunle Afod and his son, Adetoyese Oyewo. Oyewo began his career in the 1960s after joining the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and went on to become a respected figure in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian cinema. He featured in acclaimed productions including “Saworoide,” “Koseegbe” and “O Le Ku,” while also maintaining an academic career.

Veteran Yoruba actor and filmmaker Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado, died on June 29 following a brief illness. His death was confirmed by filmmaker Seun Oloketuyi and actor Kunle Afod. Adeshina spent more than two decades in the Yoruba film industry and was known for roles in traditional and historical productions. His credits included “Akeke,” “Oko Abiku,” “Kadara Mi” and “Ageku Abela.”

On August 5, actress and filmmaker Temitope Osoba died at the age of 40 after battling breast cancer. Osoba began acting in 2005 and featured in several Yoruba-language productions, including “Ogun Mi,” “Gucci Girls,” “Igboro Ti Daru,” “Ifedolapo” and “Accident.” She had previously worked as a dancer and appeared in music videos before establishing herself as an actress and later moving into film production. She produced “Single Ladies” and had also spoken publicly about her battle with breast cancer.

Another major loss came on August 23 with the reported death of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, at the age of 66. Ogogo spent more than four decades in the Nigerian film industry and became one of the most recognisable figures in Yoruba cinema. His death came after his daughters, Kaira and Lima Taiwo, publicly sought medical assistance for him during his battle with stage-four cancer. He appeared in hundreds of productions and was regarded as an influential figure among younger Yoruba actors. His remains were taken to his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, for funeral rites.

The latest reported loss on the list is actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem, whose death was announced by the Ogun State chapter of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria on September 1.

Kareem had been battling breast cancer and had previously appealed publicly for financial assistance to continue her treatment. During her illness, she disclosed that substantial resources had been spent on her treatment, while colleagues and other TAMPAN members also rallied around her.

Owolabi Ajasa, the TAMPAN Ogun State Executive Governor, announced her death and described it as a painful loss to her family and the Nigerian entertainment industry.

The deaths have left colleagues, families and fans mourning across different sections of Nollywood, with tributes continuing to highlight the contributions the deceased made to Nigerian film, television, theatre and entertainment.