All you need to know about popular actor Taiwo Hassan, Ogogo’ who died of cancer

Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as “Ogogo,” died on August 23, 2026, at the age of 66.

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His daughter, Kira Taiwo, announced his death in a social media broadcast, days after she and her sister revealed that their father was battling Stage 4 cancer.

On August 18, the sisters appealed to medical specialists and advanced cancer treatment facilities to help with their father’s treatment. They said they were not asking for money but needed connections to specialists who could take over his care.

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As tributes continue to pour in, here are 10 things to know about Taiwo Hassan “Ogogo”.

1. He was born in Ilaro

Taiwo Hassan was born on October 31, 1959, in Ilaro, Ogun State.

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He came from a family with a history of twins. His father and grandfather were twins, and he was also born a twin.

2. Education

Ogogo had his primary education at Christ
Church School in Ilaro before attending Gazikia College in Lagos.

However, he could not complete his secondary education because of financial difficulties.

3. He trained as an auto mechanic

After leaving school, Ogogo went to a technical college to learn automobile mechanics.

He later got a job with the Lagos State Water Corporation, where he worked as an auto mechanic for about 13 years.

4. He started acting in 1981

Ogogo began his acting career in 1981 while still working at the Lagos State Water Corporation.

For more than a decade, he combined his job with theatre performances. In 1994, he left the Water Corporation to focus fully on acting.

5. He became a major name in Yoruba cinema

Over the years, Ogogo became one of the best-known actors in Yoruba-language films.

His stage name, “Ogogo,” became closely associated with his work in the Nigerian film industry.

6. His role in Owo Blow brought him wider recognition

Ogogo featured in several Nollywood films, but his role as Wole Owolabi in the 1996 film Owo Blow helped increase his popularity.

He also appeared in films such as Agbelebu, Danfo Driver and Ekun-Ayo.

7. He remained active in modern Nollywood

Ogogo continued to work with younger actors and feature in films watched by a new generation.

Some of his later works include Omo Ghetto (2010), Tenant of the House (2019), Aníkúlápó (2022) and the 2024 series Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre.

8. He received an AMVCA nomination

Ogogo was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).

The nomination was for his role as Alaafin Ademuyiwa in Kunle Afolayan’s Aníkúlápó.

9. His family announced his Stage 4 cancer battle

On August 18, 2026, Kira and Lima announced that their father was battling Stage 4 cancer.

The sisters appealed for help from medical experts and cancer treatment facilities that could handle his condition.

They also clarified that they were not seeking financial donations but wanted access to specialists who could help with his treatment.

10. He died on August 23, 2026

Taiwo Hassan died on August 23, 2026, after battling the illness.

His daughter, Kira, confirmed his death, leading to tributes from actors, filmmakers, fans and others across Nigeria and beyond.

Ogogo’s death brings to an end the career of an actor who spent more than four decades in Nigeria’s theatre and film industry.

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