Nollywood is the Nigerian movie industry that has been showcasing the talents and skills of actors and other movie makers who give life to issues of life through their craft. Over the years, some actors have made a name and become the most outstanding through the number of roles and awards they have received.
While this is not an exhaustive list, you will easily find talented actors like Olu Jacobs, Ramsey Nouah, and Sam Loco are known even beyond the TV screens of Nigerian homes.
12 Greatest Nollywood Actors That You Should Know
1. Olu Jacobs
He is one of the greatest actors in the industry. Also known as the Godfather of Nollywood, Olu Jacobs has been in the entertainment industry as far back as the 70s when he appeared in television series.
Aside from this, he has also featured in British productions like Till Death Do Us Part(1974) and The Goodies(1971).
After spending over five decades as an actor, he won the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. Off the cameras, he has one of the longest marriages in the industry. He has been married to Joke Silva for many decades and together, they founded the Lufodo group, a production company.
2. Pete Edochie
He started his career as a broadcaster. However, he gained expansive fame in the 80s after playing Okonkwo’s role in the television adaptation of Things Fall Apart by the award-winning author Chinua Achebe.
His captivating skill has seen him translate many roles over the years and earned him recognition. Some of his known works include; Lionheart(2018), Idemili(2014),King of the Jungle(2004), and Oracle(1998).
In 2003, he was honored with the title of Member of the Niger by former president Olusegun Obasanjo. Edochie is also the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement award as well as an Industry Merit award.
3. Richard Mofe-Damijo
He has acted in more than 100 movies and remains one of the greatest Nollywood actors of all time. Popularly known by his initials RMD, he has honed his skills as a versatile actor through the roles he played over the years.
In 2005, he stole the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role at the maiden editions of the prestigious AMAA. Since then, he has added other accolades including the Lifetime Achievement Award. So far he has starred in movies such as Far From Home(2022), Love is War(2019), Castle &Castle(2018), The Wedding Party(2016), and Behind Closed Doors(2005)
As one of the most internet-savvy actors of his generation, RMD’s social media uploads of his personal and professional life show that he is not slowing down anytime soon.
4. Desmond Elliot
The actor and producer is one of the acclaimed masters of the craft. He was born in Lagos to a Yoruba father and a Delta mother. His career has spanned many decades during which he took many roles in over 200 movies.
This industry giant started his career after a friend persuaded him. Years later, he has become a movie maker in his own right through his movie production and directing.
In 2015, he added politics to his growing portfolio when he won a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly representing the Surulere constituency.
His movie roles have earned him awards like Best Actor at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards in 2009 and 2010. The screen Lord is taking it all as some of his directorial works such as Knocking on Heaven’s Door(2014), Guilty Pleasure(2009), and Finding Mercy(2015) are considered to be great movies.
5. Nkem Owoh
Known for his comedy roles, he is also known as Ukwa or Usuofia by movie lovers. In 2008, his acclaimed role in Stronger Than Pain(2007) earned him the AMAA award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
He has also starred in Chief Daddy(2018), Lion Heart(2018), John Bull and Rosekate(2007), and Usoufia in London(2003).
6. Jim Iyke
For movies, pundits have been captivated by the acting career of James Ikechukwu Esomugha who is popularly known by his stage name, Jim Iyke. He was born in Gabon but became famous after he launched an acting career in the movie industry in 2001.
His portrayal of an arrogant rich man, lover boy, and spoilt rich kid among many others has added to his perception as ‘Nollywood’s Badboy’. He has appeared in more than a hundred movies and placed himself among the great actors in the industry. He has appeared in highly acclaimed movies like Last Flight to Abuja(2010), Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons(2018), Royal Madness(2009), and Beyonce & Rihanna(2008).
Aside from his screen time, Jim Iyke is a businessman and movie producer through his Untamed Production company. Considering his stellar performance, it is not surprising that he has garnered awards including; NET Most Popular Nollywood Actor(2019), GIAMA Best Nollywood Actor(2015), and Best Actor of Afro North American Award(2006).
7. Ramsey Nouah
He is one of Nollywood’s most loved actors. Also known as Lover Boy due to his translation of romantic roles, Ramsey Nouah has proven over time that he is a versatile actor when given other roles.
He launched his career in the 90s and rose to stardom after his 1996 appearance in Silent Night. Ramsey Nouah has acted in hundreds of movies including Living in Bondage: Breaking Free(2019), Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons(2018), The Figurine(2009), Tears and Sorrow(2002), My Love(2002), and Love Boat(2001).
Aside from acting, the Nollywood Lover Boy made his directorial debut in Living in Bondage: Breaking Free. The work earned him the AMVCA award for Best Director. His other awards include; the AMAA Award for Best Lead Actor(2010, 2017), AFRIFF Global Awards for Best Actor(2016), and Nigerian Entertainment Award for Best Actor(2007).
8. Sam Loco
His death in 2011 is considered a life cut short by many who felt he had more to offer. Yet, more than a decade after the death of this legendary actor, Sam Loco’s movies remain a lasting legacy of his career. The veteran actor is one of the builders of the Nigerian movie industry having launched his career in the 60s. Though he set out to be a footballer and even got the nickname locomotive or ‘loco’ for short, it was acting that made him famous.
In the years before he came to the limelight, the late actor struggled to be a footballer while working as a sales representative to support himself. However, his passion for acting led to his sacking. This experience pushed him to embrace acting.
He is said to have been featured in more than 500 movies including A Fool at 40(2006), Final World Cup(2005), Long John(2002), Ukwa(2001), and Owo Blow(1996).
9. Kanayo O. Kanayo
If you have seen the Nollywood movie titled Billionaire Club, Kanayo O. Kanayo will not be a strange name. He started his career in the 80s doing TV productions for NTA.
His career took another turn after he made his debut appearance in the 1992 movie, Living in Bondage. This role soon made him a household name as well and set a tone for his appearance in occultic roles.
Subsequently, he has proven to be a skilled actor with roles outside of the occultic such as his portrayal in the comic series, Professor Johnsbull. He appeared in Family Battle(2005), Up North(2018), Living in Bondage: Breaking Free(2019)
Aside from acting, he is a budding lawyer and politician. His stellar performance has earned him awards like the AMAA for Best Actor(2006) after his appearance in Family Battle.
10. John Okafor
Popularly known as Mr. Ibu, the comic actor started his acting career in 1978 with appearances in Ogbu Anyanwu, Kwere Kira, and Hotel de Jordan. However, it took him some years before he made it to stardom.
His breakout role in the industry was in the 2004 movie Mr. Ibu which earned him his moniker. He has appeared in more than 200 movies including Police Recruit(2003)Yahooze Prophets(2009), and Honeymoon Guys(2015).
Mr. Ibu has been influential in the careers of other actors who now look up to him as their motivation.
11. Osita Iheme
No Nigerian actor has been widely used as a meme as Osita Iheme who is also known as Paw-paw. The comic actor was born normal but over time stopped growing and has since proven to be a Nollywood giant through his successful career.
He made his way to stardom after appearing in the 2002 movie Aki na Ukwa. Since his appearance alongside Chinedu Ikedieze in many movies, the sidekicks are rarely seen apart from each other. Notable among his movies are Aka Gum(2002), Baby Police(2003), Christmas in Miami(2021), and Welcome to Africa(2023).
His rib-cracking roles as a comic actor earned him recognition as a Member of the Order of the Niger in 2011. Professionally, he has also won many accolades including the Lifetime Achievement. The meme star and actor is not only a screen hero as is seen in his many charitable works such as the Inspired Movement Africa aimed at motivating talented Youths
See Also: 12 Greatest Nollywood Actresses Ever
12. Chinedu Ikedieze
Like his collaborator, Paw-paw, Chinedu Ikedieze earned his lifelong nickname Aki following the success of his breakout role in Aki na Ukwa(2002). He launched his career in 2000 at the age of 23 and has since been featured in movies like Tom and Jerry, and Charge and Bail.
As one would find, he and fellow collaborator, Paw-paw have come a long way in featuring in movies together. However, this has not stopped him from being featured alone as he did in Palava(2022), Across the Niger(2004), and in the TV series The Johnsons.
Apart from this, he is a real estate investor as well as a serial entrepreneur. Considering his colorful performance on screen that thrills many, it is not surprising that he is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
