Nollywood veterans who remain unforgettable decades later
By Aderinola Abimbola
For many generations, the Nollywood industry has produced numerous stars, who gradually turned Nigerian entertainment into a global industry.
They were kings and queens, villains, comic characters, parents, lovers and, sometimes, the unforgettable troublemakers who made old Nollywood films impossible to forget. Although many of these veterans remain active, the influence of others continues to live on through the characters they created.
Here are 10 Nollywood veterans whose legacies remain unforgettable.
1. Pete Edochie
Popularly known for his on-screen command ability, Pete Edochie became widely recognised after playing Okonkwo in the NTA adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart in the 1980s. He went on become one of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces.
His deep voice, commanding presence and frequent portrayals of traditional rulers, fathers and authoritative figures turned him into an institution in Nigerian cinema. With more than 200 film appearances, Edochie has remained relevant across generations.
2. Olu Jacobs
Olu Jacobs is one of the most respected names in Nigerian acting. His acting career spans over several decades. He is known for his ability to move effortlessly between roles, from traditional rulers and wealthy patriarchs to morally complicated characters . Jacobs also brought a theatre-trained precision to both Nigerian and international productions, establishing himself as one of Nollywood’s defining actors.
3. Joke Silva
Skillfully combining screen acting with an extensive theatre background, Joke Silva has remained one of Nollywood’s most distinguished actresses. From roles of sophisticated matriarchs to emotionally demanding dramatic characters, , Silva has consistently demonstrated remarkable range, making her one of the industry’s most respected mentors and elder stateswomen.
4. Sola Sobowale
The name Sola Sobowale immediately brings to mind her unforgettable Toyin Tomato character from Superstory for many Nigerians. But her career has grown and gone far beyond that early television role. The talented actress has reinvented herself repeatedly, earning praise for performances in films such as The Wedding Party and King of Boys. Her seamless portrayal of Eniola Salami in King of Boys introduced her to another generation and reinforced her reputation as one of Nollywood’s most powerful performers.
5. Nkem Owoh
Nkem Owoh, popularly known as “Osuofia” became one of the industry’s most recognisable comic actors through his ability to combine humour, exaggerated characters and sharp social commentary. His performance in Osuofia in London remains imprinted in the minds if thousands of Nigerians. Owoh’s appeal however, goes far beyond comedy as he has delivered memorable performances across hundreds of productions.
6. Chiwetalu Agu
Chiwetalu Agu built a career around characters audiences could identify almost instantly. From village elders and schemers to comic troublemakers, Agu’s characters became a major part of the texture of old Nollywood. His career spans decades and hundreds of productions, with his performances continuing to resonate with audiences.
7. Kareem Adepoju
Popularly known as Baba Wande, Kareem Adepoju represents resilience and the deep roots of Yoruba theatre. His performances in classics such as Ti Oluwa Nile and Ayo Ni Mofe helped cement his place in Nigerian entertainment history.
Although he started acting in the 1960’s, he has continued appearing in films, including more recent productions such as Fate of Alakada and Oba Bi Olorun.
8. Adebayo Salami
Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, is another veteran whose career stretches back to the earliest years of Nigerian television and theatre. He kickstarted his career in film in the 1960s, working as an actor, producer and a director.
His appearance in King of Thieves, produced by his son Femi Adebayo, was another reminder of his enduring place in Nigerian cinema.
9. Lanre Hassan
Popularly known as Iya Awero, Lanre Hassan is one of the most popular and recognisable faces of Yoruba entertainment. She started off her career in theatre, working with the Awada Kerikeri Organisation but later became a familiar presence on television and in Yoruba films.
Hassan’s appearance as Iya Loja in Kemi Adetiba’s King of Boys introduced her distinctive presence to audiences who may not have grown up watching her earlier work.
10. Richard Mofe-Damijo
Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, became one of the biggest male stars of Nigerian cinema during the 1990s. RMD was known for his charm, charisma, confidence and versatility and was mostly associated with romantic and sophisticated leading-man roles.
Films such as Out of Bounds, Diamond Ring and Violated helped establish his reputation, while later appearances in productions such as The Wedding Party showed his ability to remain relevant to newer audiences.
Although Nollywood has changed dramatically since the VHS era in terms of production values and distribution, the veterans who helped build the industry remain difficult to forget.
Their greatest achievement may not simply be the number of films they have made, but the fact that decades later, Nigerians can still remember the characters, voices and performances that made them stars.