Ogogo, a veteran Nollywood actor and producer, passed away at the age of 66 on Sunday after battling cancer.
By Kehinde Okeowo
While expressing grief over the demise of Nollywood actor and producer Taiwo Hassan—popularly known as Ogogo—his colleagues have started eulogising him and celebrating the legacy he left behind.
The veteran thespian passed away at the age of 66 on Sunday after battling cancer, which later progressed to stage four and eventually claimed his life.
Announcing his death in an emotional Instagram Live video, his daughter, Kira Hassan, said: “My daddy is dead. I can’t believe it.”
Ogogo, who featured predominantly in Yoruba movies, began acting in stage plays in 1981 under the tutelage of Awo Ademola Fagbemi while working as an auto mechanic.
In 1994, he resigned from his 13-year job at the Lagos State Water Corporation to focus fully on acting.
He eventually achieved his major breakthrough and household-name status following his stellar performance in the hit Yoruba movie Owo Blow.
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Highlighting his legacy while mourning Ogogo with deep sorrow, renowned actor Jide Kosoko noted that the thespian had left an “indelible mark on Yoruba cinema”.
Also hailing his impact on the movie industry, actor and President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan (popularly known as Mr Latin), described him as a “great icon, a legend and a father to many” who “lived a remarkable life and touched countless hearts”.
On his part, versatile actor and producer Femi Adebayo praised his senior colleague as a “true pillar of Yoruba cinema,” thanking him for the stories, lessons, and craft that inspired generations.
Saidi Balogun further shared an emotional message, saying: “You can rest now, my brother, Taiwo Hassan Ogogo. This is truly painful.”
Another movie star, Odunlade Adekola, while expressing shock over his passing, posted: “He was a great star till his last day. Good night! Great legend!”
Meanwhile, Wunmi Toriola and Toyin Adewale mourned the loss of a major industry “gem,” with Adewale writing: “You came, you saw, and you conquered.”
