Veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66.
Hassan reportedly died on Sunday after a battle with cancer.
A video circulating on social media showed his daughter, Kira Taiwo, announcing the death in tears, repeatedly saying, “My daddy is dead.”
The development came days after Kira and her sister, Haleemah, disclosed that their father had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and appealed for public support as the family explored treatment options.
Hassan was a prominent figure in the Nigerian film industry, particularly in Yoruba-language cinema, where he built a career spanning several decades.
He featured in numerous Nollywood productions, including Omin, Elewon, Omo Ghetto, Atitebi, Agbelebu, Dr Brown, Bolode O’ku, Obinrin Sowanu, Aye O, Tenant of the House, Amerah, Bank Alert and ÌGÈ.
He remained active in the industry in recent years, featuring in Kunle Afolayan’s 2022 epic film Aníkúlápó, where he played Alaafin Ademuyiwa. He reprised the role in Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre, released in 2024.
Beyond acting, Hassan was also a filmmaker, producer and screenwriter, contributing to several productions throughout his career.
His contributions to Nigerian cinema earned him several recognitions, including the City People Movie Lifetime Achievement Award and other honours.
Ogogo’s career was closely associated with the growth and preservation of Yoruba storytelling on screen. Through his performances, he portrayed characters and social settings rooted in Yoruba culture, helping to bring indigenous stories and traditional themes to contemporary audiences.
His death marks the end of a significant era for an actor whose career spanned the stage, the early home-video era of Nollywood and the modern film and streaming industry.
He is survived by his wives and children.
His funeral arrangements are expected to be conducted in accordance with Islamic rites.
