The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, at the age of 66.

Ogogo, a prominent figure in Yoruba-language cinema, reportedly died after battling stage-four cancer. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Kira Taiwo, during an emotional Instagram Live session.

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Here are 10 facts about the late actor and filmmaker:

1. He was born in Ilaro, Ogun State
   Taiwo Hassan was born in Ilaro, Ogun State. He reportedly came from a family with a history of twins and also had a twin brother.
2. He faced financial difficulties during his education
   Ogogo attended primary school in Ilaro before proceeding to Gazikia College in Lagos. However, financial difficulties prevented him from completing his secondary education.
3. He trained as an automobile mechanic
   After leaving school, he received technical training and worked as an automobile mechanic before eventually pursuing a career in entertainment.
4. He began acting in 1981
   Ogogo started his acting career in 1981. His first stage role was reportedly Akiigbe, an ewi chanter, in a stage production at the National Museum in Onikan, Lagos.
5. He left the Lagos State Water Corporation to pursue acting
   After years of combining employment with his passion for acting, Ogogo left his job with the Lagos State Water Corporation in 1994 to concentrate fully on the entertainment industry.
6. ‘Owo Blow’ became a major turning point in his career
   One of his most memorable performances came in the 1996 Yoruba movie Owo Blow, where he played Wole Owolabi. The film became an important production in Nigerian cinema and further established Ogogo as a prominent actor.
7. He also appeared in English-language Nollywood films
   Although strongly associated with Yoruba cinema, Ogogo also featured in English-language productions, including Omo Ghetto, Tenant of the House and Bank Alert.
8. His role in ‘Aníkúlápó’ introduced him to a new generation
   Ogogo played Alaafin Ademuyiwa in Kunle Afolayan’s 2022 Netflix film Aníkúlápó. The role exposed his talent to a wider international audience.
9. He received an AMVCA nomination
   His performance in Aníkúlápó earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
10. He was also a producer, director and screenwriter
    Ogogo’s contribution to Nollywood extended beyond acting. He worked as a producer, director and screenwriter, contributing to stories centred on Yoruba culture, family, tradition, leadership and social responsibility. Among his notable behind-the-camera credits were Dr Brown, Ekun-Ayo (Tears of Joy) and parts of Owo Blow.

A Lasting Legacy

Taiwo Hassan’s career spanned several decades, during which he established himself as one of the recognisable faces of Nigerian cinema. From his early days on stage to major Yoruba productions and later Netflix projects, Ogogo remained an influential figure in the industry.

His death represents a significant loss to Nollywood, Yoruba theatre and Nigerian popular culture, with colleagues, fans and members of the public mourning an actor whose career helped bridge generations of Nigerian filmmaking.