Veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, died on Sunday at the age of 66 after battling cancer.

His daughter, Kira Taiwo, confirmed his death during a live video, where she broke down in tears and repeatedly said, “My daddy is dead.”

The confirmation came five days after the family dismissed an earlier report of his death as false.
Here are 10 things to know about the late actor.

1. 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 pursued his education, learnt a trade and later built his acting career.

2. Ogogo became more popular than his real name
Although his real name was Taiwo Hassan, many Nigerians knew him simply as Ogogo.

The name became closely tied to his screen identity and followed him throughout his career.

For many lovers of Yoruba films, the mention of Ogogo brought back memories of family dramas, traditional stories and moral conflicts.

3. He worked as an automobile mechanic
Before becoming a full-time actor, Hassan trained and worked as an automobile mechanic.

He reportedly worked at the Lagos State Water Corporation for about 13 years.

His journey showed that his rise in Nollywood did not happen overnight. He combined his government job with acting for several years before cinema became his main occupation.

4. He began acting in 1981
Ogogo began his acting career in 1981 while still working as a mechanic.

He learnt through practical theatre experience and gradually became part of the growing Yoruba film industry.

His career spanned more than four decades, placing him among the longest-serving actors of his generation.

5. He left his government job in 1994
After years of combining acting with his work at the water corporation, Hassan resigned from his government job in 1994.

The decision allowed him to focus fully on acting.

It also came during an important period in Nollywood, when home videos were becoming popular across Nigeria.

6. He was more than an actor
Ogogo worked as an actor, producer, director and screenwriter.

His work behind the camera allowed him to contribute to different stages of film production.

He also helped shape stories rooted in Yoruba culture, family life, leadership, tradition and social responsibility.

7. He appeared in several memorable productions
The actor featured in numerous Yoruba and English language films during his career.

Some of his notable productions include Owo Blow, Agbelebu, Omo Ghetto, Omin, Tenant of the House, Bank Alert and Aníkúlápó.

In Aníkúlápó, he played Alaafin Ademuyiwa alongside Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, Sola Sobowale, Adebayo Salami and Yinka Quadri.

8. ‘Aníkúlápó’ introduced him to younger viewers
Ogogo’s appearance in Kunle Afolayan’s Aníkúlápó brought his work before a younger and wider audience.

The Netflix production became one of the most discussed Nigerian films of 2022.

His performance earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. The Guardian reported that the film received 16 nominations.

9. He came from a family with a history of twins
Hassan once disclosed that his mother gave birth to four sets of twins and that he was the only surviving child.
The actor also spoke strongly about fatherhood and parental responsibility.

He believed that men could not permanently escape their responsibilities to their children.

10. His final days attracted public concern
Days before his death, Kira and her sister, Haleemah, revealed that their father was battling stage four cancer.
They appealed to hospitals, specialists and anyone with information about possible treatment options to help the family.

The sisters explained that they were not seeking financial donations but medical assistance.

Several Nollywood actors later held a special prayer session for Hassan as concerns grew over his condition.

He died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, leaving behind a career that helped shape modern Yoruba cinema.