Nigerian film industry (Nollywood) has produced many talented Nollywood actors and actresses since its inception. Nigerian Nollywood grew rapidly between 1990 and 2000 and has become the second largest film producer by volume. While a few Nollywood actors started out in Nigerian cinema when it was some other talented movie stars who are still on their way there have made Nollywood what it is today and the history of Nollywood would not be complete if these stars would come together Nollywood actors No mention of those who have stood the test of time to prove their worth in acting.
10 Best Nigerian Nollywood Actors of All Time
10. NONSO DIOBI
Nonso Diobu is one of the few prolific Nollywood actors that has starred in over 70 films in the past decade. Born in Enugu, Nonso joined Nollywood in 2001 while filming his first film, Border Line. Since then he has made a name for himself in acting. He is still energetic and young and only time will tell what else he has in store.
9. MIKE EZURUONYE
He was born in Lagos on September 21st and attended NnamdiAzikiwe University and then went into acting. He had developed his acting skills over time from a young age as he enjoyed writing screenplays and working behind the camera. To show off his acting skills, he received two nominations for Best Nollywood Actor in a Supporting Role and Best Nollywood Actor in a Leading Role at the African Movie Academy Awards in 2008 and 2009.
8.KENNETH OKONKWO
Keneth Okonkwo, who is more likely to be known by the name Andy Okeke in his very popular film Living in Bondage, cannot be left out of the list of popular Nollywood actors . Keneth was born in Nsukka, Enugu State. Before turning to acting in 1992, he had a background in economics and international law. His first film Living in Bondage was a breakthrough in Nollywood and he has since starred in other popular films.
7. DESMOND ELLIOT
Desmond Elliot often describes himself as Pan-African because he was born of an Ibo mother to a Yoruba father. He attended Air Force Elementary School and St. Johns College in Jos and graduated with a degree in Economics from the University of Lagos. Desmond is a very creative actor and has appeared in over 200 films. He has received numerous nominations and awards in the field of entertainment.
6.VANVIKER
Born on August 1, 1977, Van Vicker is one of the most talented actors to grace Nollywood. The cute face and the muscular figure are not to be confused on TV. He was born of a Liberian Ghanaian mother to a Dutch father. His background was in radio and television presenting. Van Vicker has won the Afro-Hollywood Award for Best Actor (African film category). Van Vicker runs a foundation that helps young talent to be identified and given a chance at acting.
5.RAMSEY NOUAH
Ramsey Nouah is one of the most famous Nollywood actors who was born to an Israeli father in the state of Edo, Nigeria on July 16, 1973. The handsome movie star who is perhaps the epitome of Nigerian cinema began his acting career when he first appeared in a soap opera “Fortunes” performed. In 2010, Ramsey Nouah was the winner of the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in the Best Picture-winning film entitled The Figurine. He recently announced that he plans to give up acting and work more behind the scenes directing and doing more humanitarian work.
4.ANAYO MODESTUS ONYEKWERE
Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, who you will remember by the popular name of Kanayo O. Kanayo was born on March 1, 1962 in Mbaise, Imo State. He is so talented in acting that the history of Nollywood will not be complete without his name being mentioned. He made his debut film appearance in Nollywood’s first feature film, Living in Bondage, and has appeared in over 100 films since then. In 2006 he won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. In late 2012, he announced that he was leaving the acting business, where he has progressed to become a full-time pastor.
3.RICHARD MOFE DAMIJO (RMD)
The stories of action in Nigeria could not be told without mentioning Richard. RMD is one of the few guys whose initials seem more popular than their full names. He is an actor and politician. He started his acting career by appearing in soap operas (which seems like a good starting point for many African actors). Mofe-Damijo won the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2005 at the first edition of the African Movie Academy Awards. He is the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Nigeria’s Delta State.
2. NKEM OWOH (OSUOFIA)
Nkem Owoh popularly known as Osuofia following his funny film is a star when it comes to acting. He was born in the Nigerian state of Enugu and attended the University of Ilorin. During his studies he appeared in various television and film productions. Osuofia is one of the most dynamic actors and often mods scripts to show off his natural acting ability. This was demonstrated when he won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role .
1. PETE EDOCHIE
First up is Pete Edochieborn March 7, 1947 in Enugu, Eastern Nigeria. Pete started his education in Zaria in Northern Nigeria. He then moved to the Nigerian Railway Corporation. He transitioned into the film industry and has acted and acted in over 200 films. He later joined the Eastern Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation in 1967 and trained as a broadcaster with the BBC in 1980. His achievements have since been recognized with numerous awards, national honors and Hall of Fame adoptions. He is still quite active in the Nigerian film scene and is undoubtedly the greatest Nollywood actor to ever appear on the African film scene.