25 Nollywood Actors Who Stop Acting – See What Happened To Them And Why They Stopped Acting

In this article I will be revealing 25 Nollywood actors who are no longer active in the movie industry and the reasons behind their absence, where they are now, and why they stopped acting. These actors, once household names, have ventured into various fields or taken breaks from the spotlight for personal and health reasons. Nonetheless, many continue to maintain a presence in the entertainment industry, either behind the scenes or with occasional roles in new projects. Now, let’s dive into the article.

1. Tony Umez

Tony Umez was a prominent figure in Nollywood, often cast in love and family-oriented roles. His performance in movies like Died Wretched and Billionaires Club earned him a huge fan base. However, he gradually started appearing less in movies. Tony Umez’s reduced presence was partly due to health issues and his desire to be more selective with his roles. Though he still occasionally acts, he has shifted his focus to his personal life and other business ventures. In recent interviews, he mentioned the industry is evolving with younger actors emerging, but that doesn’t mean he has left the scene. He remains active on social media, frequently sharing updates about his family and life.

2. Chiwetalu Agu

In 2019, Chiwetalu Agu was involved in a serious car accident and has since been recovering from leg injuries. A video of him lamenting his health condition went viral, where he revealed that funds sent for his treatment were withheld. However, in a heartwarming turn of events, he was able to travel to India for surgery thanks to the generosity of a well-wisher. We continue to wish him a speedy recovery.

3. Clem Ohameze

Clem Ohameze is a Nollywood veteran actor, famous for his roles in movies like Last Burial, took a break from acting after an accident and some health challenges. However, he remains in the industry and appears less frequent in movies. Despite the unfortunate event, Clem Ohameze is still active in Nollywood and remains dedicated to the movie industry. The actor has also expressed gratitude for surviving the attack and continues to focus on his career, though he does not appear in movies as frequently as before.

4. Emeka Ike

Emeka Ike is one of the major name in Nollywood during the 90s and early 2000s, Emeka Ike was known for his leading roles in romance and drama films. However, in recent years, he has significantly reduced his appearances in movies, sparking curiosity among fans. In various interviews, Emeka Ike has mentioned that he took a step back from Nollywood due to disagreements within the industry and to focus on his personal life and other business ventures. He also ventured into politics and contested for a seat in the National Assembly in 2015. Despite his break from the film industry, Emeka Ike remains a prominent figure and has expressed interest in returning to Nollywood when the time is right.

5. Pat Attah

Pat Attah was a big name in Nollywood, recognized for his roles in romantic movies like Glamour Girls and My Love. His career took a turn when he moved abroad to pursue other interests, including music. Pat Attah now lives in Germany, where he is active as a musician and filmmaker. While he no longer features in Nollywood films, he has shared that he is open to returning to acting if the right opportunity comes along.

6. Saint Obi

Saint Obi was once the heartthrob of Nollywood, known for his charm and powerful performances in action and romantic dramas. He starred in many blockbuster movies in the 90s and early 2000s, including films like State of Emergency and Sakobi: The Snake Girl. Saint Obi reportedly left Nollywood due to personal reasons and a desire to focus on his family. He also ventured into film production and distribution, but he has kept a low profile in recent years, preferring to stay out of the limelight. However, he eventually disappeared from the spotlight until the news of his death began to trend in May 2023.

7. Sandra Achums

Sandra Achums was a celebrated Nollywood actress in the 90s, known for her roles in films like Karishika and Deadly Affair. At the height of her career, Sandra Achums left Nollywood and relocated to Germany, where she now lives with her family. Although she no longer acts, she continues to receive praise from fans for her past work. Sandra Achums has since embraced a quiet life abroad and away from the cameras.

8. Ernest Asuzu

Ernest Asuzu was known for his action-packed and tough-guy roles in Nollywood films such as Labista. His promising career came to a halt when he fell severely ill and struggled with health issues. His illness led to financial difficulties, and he took a long break from Nollywood. Despite receiving support from fans and colleagues, Ernest Asuzu passed away in January 2021 after battling a stroke. His death marked a sad end to what could have been a much longer and thriving career.

9. Hanks Anuku

Hanks Anuku was one of Nollywood’s finest when it came to action roles, often portraying villains and bad boys in movies like Rambo and Broad Daylight. Hanks Anuku career declined when he reportedly battled substance abuse and mental health issues. He later moved to Ghana, where he embraced a quiet life. Hanks Anuku has resurfaced in a few Nigerian films in recent years, but he remains relatively low-profile compared to his period of his greatest successand popularity in Nollywood.

10. Regina Askia

A former beauty queen and one of the most iconic actresses of the 90s, Regina Askia starred in hits movies like Most Wanted and Vuga. She left Nollywood after moving to the U.S., where she pursued a career in nursing. Regina Askia is now a registered nurse in the United States and has made a name for herself in the medical field. Although she no longer acts, she remains a beloved figure in Nollywood and has occasionally hinted at a possible comeback.

11. Charles Okafor

Charles Okafor is a Nollywood veteran, known for his roles in classic films like End of the Wicked and Domitilla. Over the years, he gradually moved away from acting and focused more on his Christian faith and evangelism. Charles Okafor now dedicates much of his time to religious activities and occasionally participates in film projects that align with his faith-based values.

12. Liz Benson

Liz Benson was one of Nollywood’s most admired actresses in the 90s, with a string of hit movies such as Glamour Girls and Diamond Ring. At the height of her career, she stepped away from acting and became an ordained minister. Liz Benson has since returned to Nollywood but mostly appears in faith-based or family-friendly films. She continues to balance her work in ministry with occasional movie roles.

13. Emeka Enyiocha

Emeka Enyiocha was a Nollywood favorite, especially for his roles in action and romantic dramas. He left the limelight to focus on his family and personal business. Emeka Enyiocha opened a beer parlor and pursued other entrepreneurial ventures. Although he’s no longer as active in Nollywood, he has expressed a willingness to return to acting.

14. Rita Nzelu

Rita Nzelu was a talented actress known for her role in films like Living in Bondage and Nneka the Pretty Serpent. She relocated to the United Kingdom after getting married and decided to focus on her family and other pursuits. Rita Nzelu has since taken a long break from acting, and although she has hinted at a possible comeback, she’s still largely absent from Nollywood.

15. Victoria Inyama

Victoria Inyama was a major star in Nollywood in the 90s, appearing in films like Silent Night and Love From Above. After marrying and moving to the United Kingdom, Victoria Inyama stepped away from Nollywood. She has since focused on family life and her studies in psychology. However, she has reappeared in a few recent movie projects and has used her platform to advocate for women’s rights.

16. Eucharia Anunobi

Eucharia Anunobi was one of Nollywood’s top actresses, known for her role in films like Glamour Girls and Abuja Connection. She shocked many fans when she became an ordained pastor. Eucharia Anunobi now balances her work in ministry with occasional acting roles, often appearing in Christian-themed movies.

17. Nkiru Sylvanus

Nkiru Sylvanus, famous for her tear-jerking performances in movies like A Cry for Help and Egg of Life, took a break from Nollywood to pursue a political career. She worked as a special adviser to a governor in Imo State. While she continues to focus on her political career, Nkiru Sylvanus still occasionally returns to Nollywood to act few movies.

18. Chiege Alisigwe

Chiege Alisigwe was a prominent actress in the late 90s and early 2000s, known for her roles in films like My Love and Outkast. She stepped away from Nollywood to focus on her family. Chiege Alisigwe has mostly remained out of the public eye and has not made a significant return to acting.

19. Ramsey Nouah

Ramsey Nouah is still very active in Nollywood but has transitioned from acting to directing. Known for his performances in Silent Night and Dangerous Twins, Ramsey Nouah has become one of the top directors in Nollywood, helming blockbuster films like Living in Bondage: Breaking Free. His transition to directing has earned him even more respect and accolades in the industry.

20. Genevieve Nnaji

Genevieve Nnaji is an iconic figure in Nollywood, but she has taken extended breaks from acting over the years. Known for her roles in Ijele and Lionheart, Genevieve Nnaji has also ventured into directing and producing. Her film Lionheart was the first Nigerian film to be submitted for the Oscars Award. Despite occasional breaks, Genevieve Nnaji remains an influential force in Nollywood.

21. Segun Arinze

Segun Arinze, once known for his villainous roles in movies like Black Arrow and Silent Night, has since shifted to directing and producing. He remains active in Nollywood but focuses more on behind-the-scenes work than acting.

22. Monalisa Chinda

Monalisa Chinda was a popular actress in the 2000s, starring in films like Games Women Play and Kiss & Tell. She took a break from Nollywood to focus on her media career and runs a talk show, You & I with Monalisa. Monalisa has expressed interest in returning to acting soon.

23. Segun Ogungbe

Segun Ogungbe, known for his roles in Yoruba movies, has also transitioned to directing. He has remained active in the industry but focuses more on his work as a filmmaker and producer.

24. Desmond Elliot

Desmond Elliot was a Nollywood star before transitioning into politics. Known for films like Reloaded and Men Who Cheat, Desmond is now a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly. He occasionally returns to Nollywood but is primarily focused on his political career.

25. Charles Okocha

Charles Okocha, aka “Igwe 2Pac,” was known for his unique and humorous acting style. He has remained active in Nollywood, although he often takes breaks to focus on his music career. His presence on social media has kept him relevant.