Before the recent shift in the Nigerian film industry, where filmmakers now produce high-budget, cinema-quality movies and collaborate with sophisticated actors such as Stan Eze, Alex Ekubo, Uzor Arukwe, Kunle Remi, and others. There was an earlier era of Nollywood, which was characterized by raw, genuine talent from veteran actors who created cherished childhood memories for many viewers. These actors were highly sought during the 1990s and early 2000s because they breathed life into their characters so much that viewers had no doubts that it was their real personalities.
Some of these actors, now mostly veterans, have passed away due to natural causes or after battling terminal illnesses; others have left Nollywood to pursue other dreams or become involved in politics. As sad as it may seem, change is inevitable, and this is evident in Nollywood. Nevertheless, we won’t forget how these iconic stars came, saw, and led Nollywood. They may be gone and no longer on our screens, but their works and impact won’t let us forget them quickly!
As part of its throwback series, eelive.ng spotlights 12 veteran Nigerian actors who ruled old Nollywood era and made the movie industry a memorable one for every Nigerian, especially those born in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD)
Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD) was the king of romance in classic Nollywood films. His suave and charismatic presence made him one of the leading actors in the industry. His notable films include “Out of Bounds,” “Diamond Ring,” “The Wedding Party,” and “10 Days in Sun City.”
Read Also: Queens of the Screen: 10 Female stars who once ruled Nollywood
Saint Obi
The late veteran film star was a likeable action character who rocked the late 90s and early 2000s with his badass screen performance. Unfortunately, Saint Obi bade the world goodbye on May 7, 2023, after battling an undisclosed illness. He starred in over 60 Nollywood movies and produced his first movie, Take Me to Maama, in 2001. Some of his notable works include State of Emergency, Final Whistle and Sakobi the Snake Girl.
Segun Arinze
Delivering his bad boy roles in Nollywood titles, ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Darkest Night,’ Segun Arinze is another unforgettable actor who reigned supreme during the old Nollywood action films era. His eyes and gangster-leader attitude were enough to frighten anyone.
Mr Ibu
John Okafor, widely known as Mr Ibu, was derived from his character in the film “Mr. Ibu,” a role that catapulted him to fame. He passed away on March 2, 2024, aged 62, after a two-year-long battle with his health.
Until death, the late actor was renowned for his comedic roles in Nollywood. His notable works include Mr Ibu, Police Recruit, Mr Ibu Goes to School and Nicodemus.
Kanayo O Kanayo
The script interpreter whose real name is Anayo Modestus Onyekwere made his debut movie appearance in the film Living in Bondage in 1992. After that, he has starred in over 100 movies and popular for acting roles of a money ritualist.
Ramsey Nouah
The “OG lover boy” of Nollywood as he’s popularly called, spent over two decades as one of Nollywood’s favourite romantic leads, starring in multiple love-themed films in recent years. Often described as “Nollywood’s classic lover boy,” Ramsey Nouah was a prominent figure in the early days of Nollywood.
Pete Edochie
Edochie began his career as a radio broadcaster in 1967 but starred in ‘Things Fall Apart’ in 1967. In 1995, Edochie was featured in ‘Ikuku (Hurricane) 1’, his first movie since his performance in ‘Things Fall Apart’. He has starred in over 200 movies and is considered one of the most influential and respected actors in Nigeria.
Olu Jacobs
Born on July 11, 1942, in Egba Alake, South West Nigeria, this living legend began acting at a very young age. The veteran studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and has since starred in 130 Nollywood movies.
Nkem Owoh
Known for his unique comic timing and acting style, Osufia, as he’s popularly called made himself a household name in Nollywood movies. Some of his notable movies include “Osuofia in London,” “Things Fall Apart,” “Lionheart,” and “My Village People.”
Jim Iyke
You just have to give Jim Iyke is flowers, because of how well played the ‘old Nollywood bad boy’ role better than everyone else. it is with no doubt to say he was a celebrated icon who ruled the industry for many years.
Jide Kosoko
Prince Jide Kosoko, prominent for his features in Yoruba and English films was first inspired by the huge success of Hubert Ogunde to go into acting. He performed with many theatre troupe before forming his own group in 1972. He has gone on to write and produced his own films Kosoko became visible during the Video film era, producing his own film, Asiri n la in 1992. He has also acted in hundreds of Yoruba and English movies.
Kenneth Okonkwo
Kenneth Arinzechukwu Okonkwo gained huge fame because of his acting skills and is considered one of Nollywood’s founding members. He attracted public attention in 1992 after playing the lead role of Andy in Living in Bondage. He has enjoyed a successful acting career that has lasted over three decades now. Besides acting, he is also a producer and writer. He has starred in hundreds of Nollywood films and series
