Francis Duru, Olu Jacobs, Others: Nollywood Stars Who Have Died in 2026

Nollywood has lost several actors in 2026, including veteran performers who helped shape Nigeria’s film industry and younger stars whose careers attracted audiences across the country.

The death of veteran actor Francis Duru on October 23 has added to a difficult year for Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Duru, who died at 57 following a brief illness, became widely known for playing Ahanna in the 1995 film Rattlesnake.

His death follows the loss of several other actors, including Olu Jacobs, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, and Alexx Ekubo. Their deaths have prompted tributes from fans and colleagues across the entertainment industry.

Here are some of the Nollywood actors reported to have died in 2026.

1. Francis Duru

Francis Duru died at 57 following a brief illness, according to an announcement by his family on October 23.

The actor began his career in 1989 and gained wider recognition for his role as Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s Rattlesnake. He later appeared in productions including Blood Money, Home in Exile, Stigma and Mboputa.

Duru also served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010. His career spanned more than three decades, making him one of the familiar faces of Nigerian screen entertainment.

2. Olu Jacobs

Veteran actor Olu Jacobs died at 84 on September 16, 2026, according to an announcement by his family.

Born Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, he built a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before working in British productions and later becoming one of Nollywood’s most respected performers.

Jacobs appeared in numerous films and won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007. He also co-founded the Lufodo Group with his wife, actress Joke Silva.

3. Alexx Ekubo

Actor Alexx Ekubo was reported to have died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 40.

He rose to prominence after finishing as first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition. He subsequently built a career in Nollywood, appearing in films including Weekend Getaway, Lagos Cougars and Afamefuna: An Nwa-Boi Story.

His death drew tributes from fans and entertainment figures, many of whom remembered his screen presence and contributions to Nigerian film.

4. Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo

Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, died on August 23, 2026, according to reports.

Hassan built a decades-long career in Yoruba-language cinema and became recognised for his performances in films and television productions. His work also helped establish his reputation among audiences who followed indigenous Nigerian movies.

His death marked another significant loss for the Yoruba film industry, where he had become an influential figure.

5. Temitope Osoba

Actress, dancer and film producer Temitope Osoba died on August 5, 2026, at the age of 40, according to published reports.

Osoba worked mainly in Yoruba-language productions and had been active in the entertainment industry since 2005. Her work extended beyond acting to dancing and film production.

Her death added to the losses of younger performers in an industry that also mourned several established veterans during the year.

6. Nimmy Ferrari

Nollywood actress and content creator Nimmy Ferrari died at 26, with news of her passing reported in September 2026.

Her death attracted attention partly because she was reportedly preparing to celebrate the completion of her house in Sagamu, Ogun State. Fellow actress Kemity announced her passing, while reports about the circumstances surrounding her death circulated online.

However, her family had not publicly confirmed the exact cause of death in the reports available. Claims linking her death to complications from surgery should therefore be treated cautiously.

7. Other Nollywood actors who died in 2026

Other actors reported to have died during the year include Ajara Lasisi, popularly known as Aunty Ajara; Bamidele Oluwatope, known as Okemesi; Davis Offor, remembered as Clarus in The New Masquerade; Solomon Akiyesi; Oby Kechere, associated with the character Madam Koi Koi; Taiwo Adeshina, known as Elegbeje Ado; and Atinuke Remilekun Kareem.

Their careers spanned different parts of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, from Yoruba-language cinema to television and mainstream Nollywood productions.

The losses have affected performers at different stages of their careers, including established veterans and younger entertainers who were still building their audiences.

Nollywood remembers its stars

The deaths recorded in 2026 represent a broad cross-section of Nigeria’s film industry. Some of the actors had spent decades on screen, while others were still developing their careers.

Their work remains part of Nollywood’s history, preserved through films, television appearances and the memories of audiences who followed their performances.

As tributes continue, their stories also highlight the many generations of performers who have contributed to the growth of Nigerian cinema.