The death of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has left fans and colleagues mourning one of the familiar faces of Yoruba cinema.
Hassan died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, after battling cancer.
His daughter, Kira Taiwo, confirmed his death during a live broadcast, breaking down in tears as she said, “My daddy is dead.”
The confirmation came five days after the family dismissed an earlier report claiming that the actor had died.
As tributes continue to pour in, here are 10 things to know about the late actor.
- He was born in Ogun State
Taiwo Hassan was born on October 31, 1959, in Ilaro, Ogun State.
He spent his early years in the town before moving to Lagos, where he continued his education and learned a trade before eventually building a career in acting.
- Ogogo became bigger than his real name
Although his birth name was Taiwo Hassan, the actor became widely known as Ogogo.
The name became closely associated with his screen persona and remained a major part of his identity throughout his career.
For generations of Yoruba film lovers, Ogogo was a familiar face in stories centred on family, tradition, morality and society.
- He worked as a mechanic
Before becoming a full-time actor, Hassan trained and worked as an automobile mechanic.
He also reportedly worked with the Lagos State Water Corporation for about 13 years.
His journey into Nollywood was therefore not an overnight success. He combined his government job with acting for several years before eventually choosing the entertainment industry as his full-time career.
- He started acting in 1981
Ogogo began his acting career in 1981 while still working outside the entertainment industry.
He gained experience through theatre and stage performances before becoming one of the notable figures in the Yoruba movie industry.
His career eventually spanned more than four decades.
- He left his government job in 1994
After years of combining acting with his work at the Lagos State Water Corporation, Hassan resigned from his government position in 1994.
The decision allowed him to devote himself fully to acting and filmmaking.
It also coincided with a period when Nigeria’s home-video industry was rapidly expanding and creating new opportunities for actors and filmmakers.
- He was also a producer, director and screenwriter
Ogogo was not limited to acting.
He also worked behind the scenes as a producer, director and screenwriter, contributing to different aspects of film production.
His works often explored Yoruba culture, family relationships, tradition, leadership and social responsibility.
- He featured in several memorable films
Throughout his career, Ogogo appeared in numerous Yoruba and English-language productions.
Some of the films associated with him include Owo Blow, Agbelebu, Omo Ghetto, Omin, Tenant of the House, Bank Alert and Aníkúlápó.
In Aníkúlápó, he played the role of Alaafin Ademuyiwa alongside actors including Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, Sola Sobowale, Adebayo Salami and Yinka Quadri.
- ‘Aníkúlápó’ connected him with a younger audience
Ogogo’s appearance in Kunle Afolayan’s Aníkúlápó introduced his work to a new generation of viewers.
The 2022 Netflix production became one of the most talked-about Nigerian films of its time.
His performance earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
The film also received multiple nominations at the awards.
- He came from a family with a history of twins
Hassan once revealed that his mother had given birth to four sets of twins, although he was the only surviving child from the four pairs.
The actor also spoke strongly about fatherhood and parental responsibility during his lifetime.
He maintained that fathers should take responsibility for their children rather than abandon their duties.
- His final days sparked widespread concern
Ogogo’s final days generated significant concern after his daughters, Kira and Haleemah, revealed that he was battling stage-four cancer.
The sisters appealed to hospitals, medical professionals and members of the public with information about possible treatment options to assist the family.
They clarified that their appeal was primarily for medical assistance and not financial donations.
His condition also prompted colleagues in Nollywood to organise a special prayer session for the veteran actor.
Despite the efforts and prayers, Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, leaving behind a career that spanned more than 40 years and made him one of the recognisable figures in Yoruba cinema.
His legacy will live on through the films, characters and stories that helped shape the industry he served for decades.
