Taiwo Hassan, the veteran Nollywood actor popularly known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66 after a battle with stage 4 cancer. The news of his passing began circulating on Sunday 23rd August 2026, with fellow actor and filmmaker Femi Brainard among the first industry figures to confirm it, writing on Facebook: "I'm not one to cry or be moody over death. We all owe 6ft. But this hit me really hard. Bros T, you always advised me anytime our paths crossed and always always told me never ever to be anxious for anything but be prayerful. Rest well my brother and thank you for all your advice."
His daughter Kira Taiwo also announced his passing with the words: "My daddy is dead."
The news comes barely a week after his daughters Lima and Kira Taiwo made emotional public appeals on Instagram asking for medical help for their father, revealing that hospitals had stopped administering chemotherapy and that he was too ill to travel abroad for treatment. The family had been clear throughout that they were not seeking financial assistance but urgently needed an oncologist willing to take on his case. The appeal drew an outpouring of support from across the Nollywood community, with Femi Adebayo, Toyin Abraham, and Jide Kosoko among those who publicly shared the family's call and urged Nigerians to help.
Born on 31st October 1959 in Ilaro, Ogun State, Taiwo Hassan was one of the foundational figures of Yoruba cinema, with a career in the Nigerian film and theatre industry spanning over four decades from 1981. He is widely known for his roles in Owo Blow, a production that brought him major recognition particularly for his performance as Owolabi, and appeared in major productions including Omin, Elewon, Omo Ghetto, and Anikulapo. His career extended beyond acting into screenwriting, producing, and directing, and he served as one of the industry's most respected elder statesmen in his later years.
He is survived by his family including his daughters Lima, Kira, and Haleemah Taiwo. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
