THE GOOD OLD HANDS OF NOLLYWOOD
Call them the dons, you won’t be wrong. Describe them as the timeless thespians, you are on point. Classify them as the seasoned veterans of Nigeria’s film industry, you are correct. This category of actors is known to have blessed our screens in the last three decades and more. Their artistry is second to none. They are the evening teachers that schooled us with their acts in different films and soap operas. They are strictly professionals, original and detribalized. These people built the industry that is today called Nollywood with their sweat, and that has earned them awards and laurels across Africa. This second generation of actors are not rich, but wealthy in all ramifications.
Do have a nice time as you enjoy the shoots.ng FIRST BATCH list as prepared by Victory Aduragbemi
- ZACK ORJI
His full name is Zachee Ama Orji, he’s a producer, film director and a Nigerian actor.
Zack speaks English and French fluently because, he was born and bred in Libreville, Gabon. Unlike most actors, Zack studied Estate Management while in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He acted his first movie titled, UNFORGIVEN SIN in 1991 and, since then till now, he’s doing well in Nollywood and he remains one of the aged actors in the industry. One of his movies titled, WEB, won the best collaborative films in the Ghana awards of 2001 as he featured a Ghanaian actress, Kalsoume Sinare. His wife Ngozi Orji is a great actress too.
- KENNETH OKONKWO
Kenneth Okonkwo who is popularly known as Andy Okeke because of the role he played in his first movie titled, LIVING IN BONDAGE, in 1992. Kenneth is a great actor in Nollywood and he interprets his role effortlessly. He was born on the 6th day of November 1968. He hails from Nsukka, in Enugu state. Same state where he graduated with a B.sc degree in Business Administration from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He has well enrolled in a Bible School of Theology.
- ANAYO MODESTUS ONYEKWERE
Anayo isn’t a familiar name to anyone who can recognize this face because he’s popularly known as, KANAYO O’ KANAYO. Anayo is an actor in Nollywood and a certified lawyer. He Is from Mbaise in Imo State and, he was born March 1, 1962 in his hometown.
Anayo has featured in over 100 films. His path in Nollywood has brought him fame despite he isn’t a social media savvy as said in one of his interviews. He once got nominated for the awards for the movie, ACROSS THE NIGER in 2008 by Africa Movie Academy. Asides, acting, he’s contested twice for the position of chairperson and House of Representatives in Imo State under APGA political party. He is currently an Ambassador of United Nations and now bears MFR as his title.
- TONY UMEZ
Tony Umez is a Nigerian actor. He was born on 23, August 1964 in Anambra State. He graduated from the ‘School of First Choice’- University of Lagos where he holds a B.sc and M.sc respectively in English and International Law & Diplomacy. Tony joined Nollywood in 1993 although, started acting from secondary school days. He’s still in the movie industry till date. He’s married to Patsy Umez and has four beautiful daughters.
- SEGUN ARINZE
Segun Pandonou Aina is popularly known as Segun Arinze. Segun is a Nigerian actor and singer that hails from Badagry, Lagos State. He got the name ‘Arinze’ from his Igbo mum, Lydia Pandonou. He’s an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife where he studied, Dramatic Arts. He started out as a singer before he took on acting as a profession. He works with the African International Film Festival.
He was awarded, ‘Best Supporting Actor in 2017’.
- JOHN OKAFOR
John Okafor is popularly known as Mr IBU is a Nigerian actor and comedian. He was born on 17th October, 1961. He hails from Nkanu West L.G in Enugu State. He is a graduate of Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu. He has starred in over 200 movies. He is well known for his humorous acts of stupidity and imbecility. He’s one of the aged actors in Nollywood.
- NKEM OWOH
Nkem Nwabuoku Owoh is popularly known as, Osofia. Nkem is a Nigerian actor and a comedian. He was born 17th February, 1958 in Amagu Village, Enugu State. He is a graduate of Federal University of Technology, Abeokuta. He took on acting right from his university days until now and he has been awarded a lot for the many movies he featured in.
- CHIWETALU AGWU
Chiwetu Agwu is a Nigerian actor that is known for his comic character in films, yet upholding the standards of Nollywood. He was born in 1956. One thing that has helped him stand out in the movie industry is, his humorously usage of slangs, phrases of the Igbo language and superfluous words. He understands his role well enough and interprets accordingly. Agwu has featured in over 150 movies and record has it that he was awarded in 2012 for the Best Actor in Indigenous movie( non-English speaking language). Agwu has been acting in soap operas even before the inception of Nollywood.
- PETE EDOCHIE
Chief Pete Edochie is a Nigerian actor. He was born on March 7, 1947 in Zaria but, he hails from Uteje, Oyi LGA of Anambra State. He started out as a radio broadcaster when he was 20 but, later ventured into the movie industry and he became well known in 1980 after his lead role in THINGS FALL APART as Okonkwo . He has 15 movies in his name and he has featured in quite a number of movies.
Pete Edochie won the Industry Merit Award by Africa Magic. He also won the Lifetime Awards by Africa Film Academy. Although, aged now, he is respected as one of Africa’s most talented actors. very disciplined, cultured and professional.
- OLU JACOBS
Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs was born on 11th July, 1942. He is a Nigerian actor and film executive who has featured in movies both locally and internationally. Olu Jacobs has over 40 years experience in the movie industry and he’s often regarded as the bridge between the old and new actors.
Just like, Pete Edochie, Olu Jacobs is respected as one of the most influential actors of all time. He studied acting in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, London. Olu Jacobs has won several awards and the most recent is the Lifetime Achievements Awards by Afriff in November 2021.
Picture credits- Internet
