•Late Nollywood actors Alexx Ekubo, Taiwo Hassan and Ethel Ekpe
The death of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has renewed attention on Nigerian film stars who lost their lives after battling different forms of cancer.
Hassan died yesterday, Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66. His daughter, Kira Taiwo, confirmed his death during an emotional live video, reports Guardian Life.
Days before his death, Kira and her sister, Haleemah, disclosed that their father had been diagnosed with stage four cancer. They appealed for medical assistance after doctors reportedly said his condition had become difficult to treat.
Here are other Nollywood actors whose deaths were linked to cancer.
1. Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’
Taiwo Hassan built a career that spanned more than four decades, with memorable appearances in Yoruba and English language productions.
The actor, producer and director was known for films including Owo Blow, Omo Ghetto and Aníkúlápó.
His death came days after his daughters publicly revealed his battle with stage four cancer. The particular type of cancer was not disclosed.
2. Alexx Ekubo
Alexx Ekubo died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 40.
His family said the actor died at Evercare Hospital from complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
Ekubo was known for films including Weekend Getaway, Lagos Cougars, The Bling Lagosians, Omo Ghetto: The Saga and A Sunday Affair.
His illness was largely kept away from the public until his death.
3. Tom Njemanze
Veteran actor Tom Njemanze died in July 2025 at the age of 75 after battling prostate cancer.
Before his death, videos showed him receiving treatment in a hospital as colleagues appealed to the public for financial assistance.
Njemanze became popular through his performances in films including Issakaba, Osuofia in London, Pounds and Dollars, Brain Box and Twin Brothers.
4. Stella Ikwuegbu
Veteran actress Stella Ikwuegbu died on June 16, 2024, after battling what her colleagues described as leg cancer.
Movie producer Stanley Nwoko announced her death and paid tribute to her contribution to the Nigerian film industry.
Ikwuegbu was known for playing motherly and elderly characters in numerous Nollywood productions.
5. Ethel Ekpe
Ethel Ekpe died in February 2024 after battling cancer. The specific type of cancer was not publicly disclosed.
She became popular for playing Segi in Ken Saro-Wiwa’s television comedy series, Basi and Company.
The actress also featured in Amaka Igwe’s Forever, Sons of the Caliphate, Speak the Word and several other productions.
6. Karibi Fubara
Nollywood actor and producer Karibi Fubara died on December 15, 2021, following a battle with kidney cancer.
Fubara disclosed in 2020 that doctors had discovered a large, mid-stage kidney tumour. He later underwent surgery to remove about 90 per cent of it.
His death was announced by members of his family about 19 months after the surgery.
Fubara featured in productions including God Calling, Smart Money Woman, Castle and Castle and Quam’s Money.
7.Sadiq Daba
Veteran actor and broadcaster Sadiq Daba died on March 3, 2021, after battling leukaemia and prostate cancer.
Daba received treatment in Nigeria and abroad following financial support from well-wishers.
He became widely known for his role in the television series Cockcrow at Dawn. He also played Inspector Waziri in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1, a performance that earned him the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor.
8. Doris Chima
Veteran actress Doris Chima died in August 2021 after battling breast cancer for more than six years.
The Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in Lagos State, Emeka Rising Ibe, confirmed her death.
Chima appeared in several Nollywood productions before her illness kept her away from the screen.
9. Ify Onwuemene
Ifeyinwa Onwuemene, popularly known as Ify Onwuemene, died on May 25, 2021, after battling stage four endometrial cancer.
Her colleague, Gloria Anozie-Young, said the actress underwent surgery and several chemotherapy sessions during her treatment.
Onwuemene became popular for playing the wife of Sam Loco Efe’s character in the television series Everyday People.
10. Aisha Abimbola
Yoruba actress Aisha Abimbola, popularly known as Omoge Campus, died in a Canadian hospital in May 2018 after battling breast cancer.
She rose to fame through her appearance in the film Omoge Campus in 2001.
Abimbola also featured in No Pain, No Gain, Awerijaye, So Wrong So Right and Kamson and Neighbours.
The deaths of these actors highlight the impact cancer has had on the Nigerian film industry.
Some fought the disease publicly and received support from colleagues and fans. Others kept their diagnoses private until their deaths.
